WhatsApp has started testing Scam Alert, a new optional security feature that warns users when an incoming message may be part of a scam. The tool runs directly on a user’s device and does not send message content to WhatsApp or Meta for analysis.
The WhatsApp Scam Alert feature is currently available to a limited group of beta testers, including members of the company’s Bug Bounty community. WhatsApp plans to use the testing phase to assess the system’s accuracy before a wider rollout.
How WhatsApp Scam Alert works
Scam Alert uses an on-device machine learning model to analyse messages from people who are not in a user’s contacts. It looks for language and conversation patterns that match known scam attempts.
The model draws on scam conversations previously reported by users. However, WhatsApp says the feature keeps both the model and the message analysis on the device.
If the system identifies a likely scam, it displays a warning in the chat. The user can then block the sender, report the conversation, or continue chatting.
Users can also mark a warning as incorrect by choosing to trust the chat. Once they do, the warning disappears and Scam Alert will not flag that conversation again.
Users remain in control of their data
WhatsApp says Scam Alert does not automatically report chats or share their contents with Meta. Users can turn the feature off whenever they choose.
Those who mark a chat as trusted can also voluntarily share the five most recent received messages with WhatsApp. The company says this feedback can help improve the detection system.
That opt-in process is separate from the automatic message analysis. It gives users control over whether any chat content is shared to support future improvements.
The approach aims to add an extra warning layer without weakening WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. Messages remain private between the people in the conversation, while the local model checks for potential fraud patterns.
WhatsApp continues its anti-scam push
The WhatsApp Scam Alert feature is part of Meta’s wider effort to reduce fraud across its messaging platforms.
Earlier this year, WhatsApp introduced warnings for suspicious device-linking requests. Scammers often use fake QR codes or linking codes to persuade victims to connect an attacker’s device to their account.
WhatsApp also began rolling out Strict Account Settings, a lockdown-style feature designed for journalists, public figures and other users who may face more advanced threats.
That feature offers stronger protections against sophisticated attacks, including spyware campaigns. Messaging apps have previously been targeted with zero-click exploits, which can compromise a device without requiring the victim to tap a link or open a file.
With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp remains a major target for criminals running impersonation, account takeover and financial fraud schemes. Scam Alert could help users spot suspicious chats before they disclose personal information, send money or follow harmful instructions.
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