WHATSAPP SUSPENDS 6.8M+ ACCOUNTS LINKED TO FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES

Sun 10 August 2025:

WhatsApp banned more than 6.8 million accounts linked to scam operations in the first half of this year, its parent company Meta said in a statement Tuesday.

“As part of our ongoing proactive work to protect people from scams, WhatsApp detected and banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centers,” the company said.

Meta said the accounts were taken down before many could be used, thanks to investigative insights and enhanced enforcement efforts.

Scam centers often run multiple schemes at once, including cryptocurrency fraud and pyramid schemes, Meta said. A common red flag is a request for upfront payment in exchange for promised returns or earnings, it added.

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The platform also rolled out a safety overview feature for group chats, which appears when a user is added to a group by someone not in their contacts, said the statement.

The overview provides details about the group and safety tips, allowing users to exit immediately without viewing the chat. Group notifications remain silenced until the user opts to stay, it added.

WhatsApp is also testing alerts for unknown contacts, which warn users before they begin a conversation with someone not in their address book. The alerts aim to offer context and encourage caution.

Scammers frequently use tactics such as promises of easy money, fake investments or threats about unpaid bills to lure victims, the company said.

Meta urged users to remain cautious when approached by unknown individuals online—especially those requesting money or personal information.

To prevent WhatsApp scams, follow these key steps based on common tactics used by scammers:

Enable Two-Step Verification: Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Enable, and set a six-digit PIN. This adds an extra layer of security, preventing account takeovers even if someone gets your verification code. Never share this PIN or any SMS verification code, as scammers may pose as friends or tech support to steal it.

Adjust Privacy Settings: Navigate to Settings > Privacy and limit who can see your profile photo, status, and last seen to “My Contacts” or “Nobody.” Restrict group additions to contacts only to avoid being pulled into scam groups. Regularly check linked devices under Settings > Linked Devices to ensure no unauthorized access.

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Don’t respond to messages from unknown numbers, especially those urging quick action, offering prizes, or requesting money. Scammers often use emotional manipulation (e.g., pretending to be a family member in distress) or promise fake rewards like gift cards or WhatsApp Gold upgrades. Verify identities via a phone call or video call using known contact details.

Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links or Attachments: Scammers send phishing links or malware disguised as job offers, lotteries, or tech support fixes. Only download WhatsApp updates from official app stores (Google Play or Apple’s App Store) and avoid QR codes or links from unknown sources. Use tools like Bitdefender Scamio to analyze suspicious messages.

Report and Block Scammers: If you spot a scam, open the chat, tap the contact name, and select “Block” and “Report.” This alerts WhatsApp to shut down fraudulent accounts and prevents further contact. Share scam awareness with vulnerable contacts, like seniors, to break the scammer’s cycle.

Stay Updated and Vigilant: Keep WhatsApp updated via official app stores for the latest security patches. Be cautious of messages with typos, urgent tones, or too-good-to-be-true offers, as these are common scam red flags. If scammed, report to WhatsApp, notify your bank, and file a cybercrime report.

By staying proactive and skeptical, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling for WhatsApp scams.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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