Meta Fortifies WhatsApp and Messenger with New Anti-Scam Defenses, Prioritizing Older Adults

Meta is enhancing the security of its popular messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, with a suite of new tools designed to combat the escalating threat of online scams. The initiative, launched during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, places a particular emphasis on protecting older adults, who are often disproportionately targeted by fraudsters.

Key Takeaways

• New warnings on WhatsApp alert users when sharing screens with unknown contacts during video calls.

• Messenger introduces an opt-in "Scam detection" feature to flag suspicious messages from unknown connections.

• Meta is partnering with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center to combat fraud targeting seniors.

• The company has disrupted millions of accounts linked to global scam operations.

Enhanced Scam Detection on WhatsApp and Messenger

Meta is rolling out new protective measures across both WhatsApp and Messenger to help users identify and avoid fraudulent activities. On WhatsApp, users will now receive warnings when attempting to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call. This feature aims to prevent scammers from tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as bank details or verification codes.

For Messenger, users can enable a "Scam detection" setting within their Privacy & safety options. Once activated, this feature will alert users to potentially suspicious messages from unknown contacts that exhibit signs of a scam. Meta emphasizes that this detection occurs on the user's device, ensuring that end-to-end encrypted chats remain secure. If a chat is flagged, users may be prompted to send recent messages for AI review, though these messages will no longer be end-to-end encrypted during the review process.

Combating Global Scam Operations

These new tools are part of Meta's broader efforts to combat sophisticated scam networks. The company revealed that it has disrupted nearly 8 million accounts on Facebook and Instagram since the beginning of the year that were associated with criminal scam centers. These operations, often based in regions like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines, target individuals worldwide, including the elderly, through various digital channels.

Meta also took action against over 21,000 Facebook Pages and accounts that impersonated customer support services to trick people into divulging personal information. The company highlighted schemes like "pig butchering," a type of investment fraud where cybercrime syndicates build emotional bonds with victims before luring them into bogus investment platforms, often leading to devastating financial losses.

Partnership and Advice for Older Adults

In a significant move, Meta is joining forces with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center (NEFCC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating fraud targeting older Americans. This collaboration aims to improve information sharing and expedite responses to scams. The NEFCC includes partners such as AARP, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart.

Meta also shared practical advice for users, particularly older adults, to stay safe online. Key recommendations include pausing before acting on unsolicited messages or calls, never sharing sensitive personal or financial information in response to unexpected requests, and checking in with trusted individuals when feeling pressured. Users are also advised to always use official customer service channels and avoid clicking on suspicious links or posting complaints on public forums where scammers may pose as support agents.

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, your security strategy must evolve to keep pace. BetterWorld Technology offers adaptive cybersecurity solutions that grow with the threat landscape, helping your business stay secure while continuing to innovate. Reach out today to schedule your personalized consultation.

Sources

• Meta Rolls Out New Tools to Protect WhatsApp and Messenger Users from Scams, The Hacker News.

• Meta Introduces New Security Tools to Protect Messenger and WhatsApp Users, Cyber Press.

• Meta rolls out warnings to help protect older WhatsApp and Messenger users from scams, BetaNews.

• WhatsApp and Facebook add scam alerts for seniors, geekspin.

• WhatsApp Rolls Out A New Feature To Protect Users From Online Scams, BGR.