ISLAMABAD: Meta, which runs prominent social media platforms, has finally introduced new anti-scam features on WhatsApp and Messenger as part of its effort to reduce sophisticated online fraud attempts.
The company said these new tools aim to protect users from scammers who use social engineering tricks, particularly affecting older adults who are more susceptible to being scammed.
On WhatsApp, users will now see a warning if they try to share their screen during a video call, while on Facebook Messenger, Meta is testing AI-based scam detection, which flags suspicious messages and alerts users before they respond.
Since the beginning of 2025, the company has blocked nearly 8 million fraudulent accounts across Facebook and Instagram, many linked to cross-border criminal scam centers operating in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines.
These actors exploited messaging platforms, dating apps, crypto-related services, and fake customer support pages to manipulate victims, often to gain access to personal information or trick them into sending money.
Fake support messages are now so common that many Facebook Page owners simply ignore them. However, scam groups continue to target older adults across social media platforms, messaging apps, dating sites, and cryptocurrency services.
WhatsApp and Messenger get smarter protection tools
The new WhatsApp warning feature alerts users if they try to share their screen with unknown contacts. This step helps stop scammers from asking for bank details or security codes during calls.
Meanwhile, Facebook Messenger now uses AI to detect scam messages. When a message seems suspicious, users see a warning that says, “Be cautious, you could be at risk of losing money.” The app also lists common scam types, such as fake job offers or “easy money” deals, and suggests blocking or reporting the sender.
