WhatsApp is curbing scam networks by banning millions of malicious accounts
SECURITY STEPS
WhatsApp is removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to fight fraud and deception.
Image: Freepik
WhatsApp has ramped up its global efforts to combat criminal scam networks, removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to safeguard users from fraud and deception.
The tech giant revealed that over the past six months, it proactively identified and banned more than 6.8 million accounts tied to criminal scam syndicates. These swift actions halted scammers before they could roll out their fraudulent schemes, safeguarding millions of users from potential harm.
In 2023, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam. On June 7, she revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that both she and a friend lost thousands of rand after a scammer took over the WhatsApp account of a mutual friend to trick them.
“He was pretending to be that friend. It was only when the scammer became so greedy and brazen that my son and I figured out the scam and warned other friends. WhatsApp ID theft or hacking is real,” she tweeted.
WhatsApp highlighted that scammers usually work from criminal scam centres running various schemes simultaneously, such as fraudulent cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. They often ask for upfront payments to guarantee returns, which serves as a major warning sign. These scams start on platforms like dating apps or through texts, then shift to social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and finally to payment or crypto platforms.
“This multi-platform approach is designed to evade detection by individual services, making comprehensive disruption more challenging.”
Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, highlighted that combating scams is an ongoing challenge. He stated that they are continuously improving their security measures to stay one step ahead of malicious actors.
"This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats. We believe that a safer messaging environment is built through a combination of robust technology, proactive detection, and user education," he said.
The company also highlighted a recent example of cross-industry teamwork, where WhatsApp, Meta, and OpenAI worked together to dismantle a scam ring based in Cambodia. The group exploited ChatGPT to craft initial messages that guided victims to WhatsApp, before swiftly shifting them to Telegram. There, victims were instructed to like videos on TikTok and were ultimately pressured into depositing funds into cryptocurrency accounts.
In light of emerging threats, WhatsApp is introducing new anti-scam tools alongside its efforts to dismantle scam operations. These features are specifically designed to defend users against common scam techniques:
- Group Messaging: A new safety overview will now appear when a user is added to an unfamiliar group by someone not in their contacts. This overview provides key group information and safety tips, allowing users to exit the group without viewing the chat. Notifications from such groups will be silenced until the user explicitly chooses to engage.
- Individual Messaging: WhatsApp is testing new approaches to caution users before they engage with unknown contacts. This includes providing additional context about the sender when initiating a chat with someone not in their contacts, enabling users to make informed decisions.
Furthermore, WhatsApp encourages users to adopt a “Pause, Question, Verify” approach when faced with suspicious messages. The strategy includes taking a moment to assess the sender’s identity, questioning the legitimacy of the request, and verifying the information through alternate communication channels.
Late last year, in 2024, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) issued a warning to the public about fraudulent WhatsApp messages circulating across the country.
The Department of Social Development entity cautioned people to be vigilant against fake messages containing Sassa OTP codes sent through WhatsApp.
Sassa clarified that it does not send OTP codes for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant via WhatsApp, and they urged anyone receiving such messages to be wary, as these are likely scams.
The Social Security Agency (SASSA) issued a warning about fraudulent WhatsApp messages.
Image: Screenshot.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam.
Image: Screenshot.