WhatsApp's new scam alerts will now warn you before you message unknown numbers

WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature aimed at helping users identify potential scams before they begin conversations with unknown contacts. The feature, currently being tested on Android and iOS, introduces warning alerts that appear when users open chats initiated by unsaved phone numbers.The update was first spotted by WABetaInfo, which reported that WhatsApp is using an algorithm to detect suspicious patterns associated with linking requests and unknown contacts. If the app identifies a potentially risky interaction, users will see a security screen before entering the chat.Rather than opening the conversation immediately, the alert provides contextual information to help users decide whether the contact is genuine. This includes the country where the phone number is registered, whether the sender is already saved in the user's contacts, and whether both users share any common WhatsApp groups.The warning also highlights common tactics used by scammers, including attempts to obtain personal information, passwords or money. Users can then choose whether to continue the conversation or cancel it altogether. WhatsApp does not notify the sender if a user decides not to proceed.The feature is designed to address the growing number of fraud attempts taking place on messaging platforms, ranging from fake job offers and investment scams to phishing attacks and impersonation schemes.However, the new safeguards are not expected to catch every suspicious interaction. According to the report, warning prompts may not appear if the number has already been saved in a user's contacts or if a legitimate contact has changed their phone number or relocated to another country.WhatsApp is currently testing the feature in select regions and plans to expand availability to more users over the coming months.While the additional security layer is intended to help users make more informed decisions before engaging with unfamiliar contacts, WhatsApp continues to advise users against sharing sensitive personal or financial information with people they do not know or trust.Also read: Inside GPT-5.6: What OpenAI's newest AI models Sol, Terra and Luna bring to the table