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WhatsApp and Messenger introduce updated alerts to assist seniors in steering clear of online fraud

WhatsApp and Messenger introduce updated alerts to assist seniors in steering clear of online fraud

Bitget-RWA2025/10/21 16:03
By:Bitget-RWA

On Tuesday, Meta rolled out new anti-scam tools for WhatsApp and Messenger, expanding its efforts to protect older users from online fraud. The company announced that WhatsApp will now alert users when they attempt to share their screen during a call, while Messenger will highlight messages that may be scams and offer the option to send them to AI for further analysis.

According to the tech company, it identified and took down around 8 million accounts involved in scam activities in the first half of 2025, including those linked to scam operations in countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. Additionally, Meta removed over 21,000 Facebook Pages and accounts that were impersonating customer service teams in an attempt to deceive people into revealing personal information.

This type of scam is so widespread that many Page administrators have learned to disregard anything that claims to be from customer support. At the same time, organized scam groups are increasingly targeting older individuals through various channels, including not just social media, but also messaging platforms, dating services, cryptocurrency schemes, and more.

WhatsApp and Messenger introduce updated alerts to assist seniors in steering clear of online fraud image 0 Image Credits:Meta

With the latest update, WhatsApp will now show a warning if you attempt to share your screen with someone you don’t know during a video call. Meta notes that scammers frequently use this tactic to trick people into revealing sensitive details such as banking information or verification codes.

For Messenger, Meta is piloting enhanced scam detection methods that assess whether incoming messages are suspicious. If a potential scam is detected, users will receive a warning that says signs of a scam have been found and advises them to “be careful, you might be at risk of financial loss.”

WhatsApp and Messenger introduce updated alerts to assist seniors in steering clear of online fraud image 1 Image Credits:Meta

The warning screen also outlines common scam tactics, such as fake work-from-home offers or promises of quick money, and encourages users to either block or report the suspicious account.

Someone in my own family has fallen victim to these scams, and it’s clear that the consequences often extend beyond the individual, affecting their loved ones as well. Family members may have to step in, which can lead to embarrassment for the victim or cause them to become defensive, convinced that the scam is actually a legitimate opportunity.

Fraudsters frequently use manipulation or feigned romantic interest to target people who may not be very familiar with online risks or who could be experiencing early cognitive decline. They also prey on those who are isolated and crave companionship, exploiting these vulnerabilities to drain seniors of their savings.

Meta arguably should have addressed these issues on its platforms sooner, especially since adding warnings or alerts to the apps is relatively straightforward. Even without advanced AI to automatically review suspicious activity, providing users with basic informational warnings could have helped reduce some of the harm caused by scams in the past.

The company also announced it is joining the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, a newer nonprofit that brings together law enforcement and major companies such as AARP, Amazon, Capital One, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart to fight scams targeting older adults.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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