WhatsApp and Messenger Add New Warnings to Help Older People Avoid Online Scams
Meta is stepping up its fight against digital fraud with a fresh update designed to protect senior users online. WhatsApp and Messenger add new warnings to help older people avoid online scams, offering real-time alerts and smarter detection tools to flag suspicious behavior before it’s too late.
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Meta’s Push to Protect Older Users from Scams
Meta revealed that its latest initiative focuses on preventing screen-sharing scams and fake support messages—two of the most common tactics used by fraudsters. The update aims to help older adults, who are often targeted by cybercriminals posing as trusted contacts or customer support agents.
According to Meta, WhatsApp and Messenger’s new scam warnings are part of its broader effort to crack down on global scam networks. The company said it has already disrupted over 8 million fraudulent accounts in the first half of 2025, including those operating from scam hubs in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines.
How the New WhatsApp Warning Works
A new safety prompt now appears on WhatsApp whenever users attempt to share their screen during a video call with an unknown number. Meta says this feature is critical since scammers often use screen-sharing as a tactic to steal sensitive information like passwords, bank details, or one-time verification codes.
This proactive alert serves as an educational reminder, encouraging users—especially seniors—to pause and verify the identity of the person on the other end before continuing.
Messenger’s Smarter Scam Detection and AI Review
Over on Messenger, Meta is expanding its AI-driven message analysis tools. When suspicious messages are detected, users can now flag them for review by Meta’s AI systems, which help determine if the sender might be attempting to deceive or defraud.
The company also noted that it has acted against more than 21,000 Facebook Pages and accounts posing as fake customer service representatives—an alarming trend that continues to target older demographics unfamiliar with online fraud patterns.
The Growing Threat of Online Scams Targeting Seniors
Online scams are evolving fast, with fraudsters leveraging social media, messaging platforms, and dating apps to manipulate users emotionally and financially. Older adults often become primary targets due to their limited familiarity with modern digital security practices.
Meta’s new warnings aim to give these users an extra layer of protection. By clearly alerting them during risky interactions, the company hopes to build safer communication habits and reduce incidents of identity theft and financial loss.
A Global Crackdown on Scam Networks
Meta’s transparency reports highlight its ongoing efforts to curb fraudulent activity across its platforms. Between January and June 2025, the company disabled millions of accounts linked to scam operations and implemented stricter verification for Pages claiming to offer customer service.
These actions underscore Meta’s growing investment in AI safety and trust technologies, helping its messaging apps stay ahead of scam tactics that increasingly exploit real-time communication tools.
Why These Updates Matter for Everyday Users
For everyday users—especially older ones—these new safeguards on WhatsApp and Messenger can make a real difference. Scam warnings are not just alerts; they are educational tools that guide users toward safer online behavior.
Meta encourages all users to keep their apps updated, report suspicious activity, and avoid sharing sensitive information over calls or messages unless they fully trust the recipient.
Meta’s Broader Safety Vision
Meta’s initiative is part of a larger digital safety strategy that includes AI moderation, real-time content scanning, and public awareness campaigns. The company plans to refine its scam detection technology further, making it more adaptive to regional scam trends and emerging fraud tactics.
As WhatsApp and Messenger add new warnings to help older people avoid online scams, Meta reinforces its role as a global leader in user protection—proving that innovation in safety is just as vital as innovation in technology.
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