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WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new security feature that could help users avoid falling victim to scams before a conversation even begins. The upcoming update will display a warning message whenever someone tries to start a chat with an unfamiliar phone number, giving users an opportunity to verify the details before engaging.

The feature is designed to tackle one of the most common methods used by online fraudsters—contacting people from unknown numbers while pretending to be a friend, family member, or trusted organization. By presenting important information before the first message is exchanged, WhatsApp hopes to encourage users to think twice before responding.

New Warning Screen Before Starting a Chat

According to reports from WABetaInfo, the new security feature is being developed for both Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp.

Whenever a user attempts to open a conversation with a phone number they have never messaged before, WhatsApp will display a dedicated warning screen. Instead of immediately entering the chat, users will first see useful information about the number.

The warning may include details such as:

• The country where the phone number is registered.
• Whether the number has already been saved in the user's contacts.
• Whether both users are members of any common WhatsApp group.

After reviewing the information, users can decide whether to continue the conversation or cancel it. Importantly, the other person will not receive any notification indicating that a warning was shown or that the chat was cancelled.

Why This Feature Matters

The biggest advantage of this update is its timing.

Most of WhatsApp's existing safety tools become useful only after a conversation has already started. By then, users may have already responded to suspicious messages or shared personal information.

This new feature takes a preventive approach. Instead of reacting after a scam begins, it introduces an additional verification step before users engage with an unknown contact.

Cybercriminals often rely on quick reactions and emotional responses. A simple pause combined with visible account details may help users recognize warning signs before making a costly mistake.

How Common WhatsApp Scams Work

Many messaging scams follow a familiar pattern.

A person receives a message from an unfamiliar number saying something like, "Hi, this is my new number," or "I lost my old phone. Please save this contact."

Since the message appears harmless, many people continue the conversation without verifying the sender's identity. Scammers then gradually build trust before requesting money, personal information, OTPs, or financial assistance.

With the upcoming warning screen, users may immediately notice that the phone number is registered in another country or does not match what they expected. That extra piece of information could prevent them from interacting with a fraudulent account.

Not Every Unknown Number Is Dangerous

Although the feature adds another layer of protection, it is not a complete solution against online fraud.

If a scammer's number has already been saved in a user's contact list, the warning may not appear. Similarly, some legitimate contacts may message users from a new phone number after changing devices or switching mobile networks.

For this reason, users should avoid assuming that every unfamiliar number is malicious. Instead, the warning should be treated as an opportunity to verify the sender before continuing the conversation.

WhatsApp Has Not Revealed All Trigger Conditions

WhatsApp has not officially explained every condition that activates the warning screen. However, reports suggest that phone numbers registered in a different country could be one of the factors considered by the system.

As the feature is still under development, additional checks may be introduced before its public rollout.

Tips to Stay Safe on WhatsApp

Even with new security tools, users should continue following basic online safety practices:

• Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a friend or relative with a new number.
• Never share OTPs, passwords, banking details, or personal information through chat.
• Check whether the phone number belongs to the expected country or region.
• Ignore urgent requests involving money until the sender's identity has been confirmed.
• Block and report suspicious accounts directly through WhatsApp.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp's upcoming warning feature represents another step toward improving user safety on the platform. By displaying important information before a conversation begins, the messaging app aims to reduce impulsive interactions with unknown contacts and make it harder for scammers to deceive users.

While the feature cannot eliminate every type of fraud, it provides users with valuable context before they decide whether to continue a conversation. In today's digital environment, taking a few extra seconds to verify an unfamiliar number could help prevent identity theft, financial loss, and online scams.