Messaging platform WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature designed to help users identify and avoid potential scams from unknown contacts.
The new feature introduces a warning screen that appears before users open a message from a phone number that is not saved in their contacts.
The alert provides additional information about the sender, including the country linked to the phone number and whether the user shares any common groups with the unknown contact.
The move is part of WhatsApp’s broader efforts to strengthen user protection and reduce the growing threat of online scams, fraud attempts and suspicious messages sent through the platform.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that scammers increasingly use messaging applications to impersonate businesses, financial institutions, government agencies and individuals in attempts to steal personal information or money.
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By displaying more context before users engage with unfamiliar senders, WhatsApp aims to encourage people to pause and assess whether a message is trustworthy before replying, clicking links or sharing sensitive information.
The company said the warning system is intended to give users more control over their conversations while making it easier to identify potentially risky interactions.
The feature highlights details that can help users make better decisions, such as whether a contact’s number appears to originate from another country or whether there is any existing connection through shared WhatsApp groups.
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Unknown international numbers have become a common method used by scammers, who often send unsolicited messages offering fake investment opportunities, prizes, jobs or urgent requests for financial assistance.
The introduction of the warning screen follows other security measures introduced by WhatsApp in recent years, including tools that allow users to block and report suspicious accounts.
The platform has also continued investing in privacy features such as end-to-end encryption, which protects the content of personal conversations from being accessed by third parties.
However, officials have noted that while encryption protects messages during communication, users must still remain cautious about who they interact with and what information they share.
The latest update reflects a wider industry push among technology companies to address the increase in digital fraud as more people rely on online platforms for communication, payments and business activities.
With millions of users across Africa and other emerging markets, WhatsApp remains a major channel for personal and commercial communication, making security improvements particularly important for users vulnerable to online scams.
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The company is expected to gradually make the feature available to users as part of its ongoing security updates.
Users are encouraged to avoid responding to suspicious messages, verify unknown contacts before engaging and use WhatsApp’s reporting tools when they encounter possible scam attempts.
