Meta Introduces New Security Features to Combat Scams on WhatsApp and Messenger

Enhanced Security Measures Across Messaging Platforms

Meta Platforms is implementing significant security upgrades to its popular messaging services WhatsApp and Messenger, according to reports from the company. The new features are designed to combat the rising threat of online scams that have targeted users worldwide, with particular focus on protecting elderly users who may be less familiar with digital security risks.

Enhanced Security Measures Across Messaging Platforms
Global Scam Disruption Efforts
WhatsApp Screen Sharing Protection
Messenger AI Scam Detection
User Protection Recommendations

Global Scam Disruption Efforts

Sources indicate that Meta’s security teams have detected and disrupted nearly 8 million accounts linked to scam centers operating across multiple countries since the beginning of 2025. The report states these fraudulent operations were primarily based in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. Additionally, the company has taken action against over 21,000 Facebook Pages that were impersonating legitimate customer support services.

Analysts suggest that these coordinated scam networks represent a significant threat to digital security worldwide. “The scale of these operations demonstrates the sophistication of modern digital fraud,” security experts noted in recent assessments of the threat landscape.

WhatsApp Screen Sharing Protection

One of the key security enhancements involves new warning systems for WhatsApp video calls. According to reports, the platform will now display warning notices when users attempt to share their screens with individuals not on their contacts list. This measure addresses a common tactic where scammers convince victims to share their screens to steal sensitive information, including banking details.

The warning message explicitly advises users to only share screens with trusted contacts, emphasizing that recipients will be able to view everything displayed on the device. Security researchers have identified screen sharing as an increasingly popular method for financial information theft, particularly in confidence trick schemes., according to market analysis

Messenger AI Scam Detection

Meta is testing advanced artificial intelligence tools within Messenger mobile chats that can identify potentially fraudulent messages. When a user receives a suspicious message, the system will generate a warning notice and provide the option to forward the content to Meta for AI analysis. If the system detects scam indicators, it will display common red flags to users.

The report states that these warnings will highlight familiar scam patterns, including:

Job offers requiring upfront payments
Promises of fast cash opportunities
Remote work offers for positions that cannot reasonably be performed remotely

Additionally, the system reminds users to avoid wire transfers and gift card payments, which analysts suggest are among the most common methods scammers use to extract money from victims.

User Protection Recommendations

While Meta hasn’t specified when the Messenger warning system will see broad implementation, the company is currently encouraging users to enhance their security settings. Sources indicate that Meta recommends setting up passkeys for quicker identity verification and running Security Checkup to review and improve account protection measures.

Security experts emphasize that these developments represent an important step in protecting vulnerable populations from financial exploitation. “As WhatsApp and Messenger continue to grow in regions like Myanmar and Cambodia, where digital literacy may vary, such protective measures become increasingly crucial,” according to digital safety analysts.

The company’s ongoing efforts reflect the escalating battle against organized cybercrime operations that target messaging platform users through sophisticated social engineering techniques.