New WhatsApp update warns users before joining unknown group chats
This update comes as part of WhatsApp’s broader push, in partnership with Meta and OpenAI, to combat scam operations run by organised criminal networks, many based in Southeast Asia.
WhatsApp on Tuesday announced a new safety feature designed to protect users from being added to unfamiliar group chats by scammers.
The feature, called a ‘safety overview’, will alert users before they join group chats initiated by someone not in their contacts list.
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The new alert will appear when you are added to a group by an unknown number.
Instead of being dropped into the chat immediately, users will first see key information about the group, including who created it, who added them, and tips on how to stay safe.
From there, users can choose to view the group, leave it without entering the chat, or take additional action. Notifications from the group will remain silenced until the user actively chooses to stay.
This update comes as part of WhatsApp’s broader push, in partnership with Meta and OpenAI, to combat scam operations run by organised criminal networks, many based in Southeast Asia.
In just the first half of this year, WhatsApp said in a statement that it banned more than 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centres.
"These scammers are sophisticated, often cycling people through different platforms to avoid detection," said a WhatsApp spokesperson.
"This new safety overview puts more control in the hands of users, helping them pause and assess before they’re exposed to potential harm."
WhatsApp will send a ‘safety alert’ before you join unknown group chats. (META)
Scammers are increasingly using apps like WhatsApp to execute schemes involving fake job offers, investment opportunities, and pyramid schemes.
In one recent case, Meta and OpenAI identified a scam operation out of Cambodia that used ChatGPT to generate fake messages, lured users into group chats on WhatsApp, and then migrated them to Telegram for further manipulation, eventually leading victims to deposit funds into fraudulent crypto accounts.
Not only group chats, even individual chats
To strengthen protections even further, WhatsApp is also testing new features for one-on-one messaging.
These include alerts when starting a chat with someone outside your contact list, offering context about the person and their potential risk. The goal is to prevent users from unknowingly engaging with scammers who first make contact on dating apps, social media, or email, then ask to move the conversation to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp.
During this move, internet safety expert and ethical hacker Rachel Tobac partnered with WhatsApp to provide user guidance for recognising scams. She encourages users to follow a simple three-step strategy: Pause, Question, Verify.
PAUSE: Do not rush. Take a moment before responding to unexpected messages.
QUESTION: Ask yourself if the message makes sense. Does it seem too good to be true? Are you being asked to send money?
VERIFY: If someone claims to be a friend or family member, confirm their identity using a known communication method before responding.
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