WhatsApp is introducing a new “safety overview” screen to protect users from group chat scams. When someone you don’t know invites you to a group, the app will now display key details about the group before you can see any messages.
This overview includes:
- The date the group was created
- The name of the person who invited you
- The number of group members
- A scam warning and tips to manage group invite settings
You’ll be able to either exit the group immediately or continue to view more information before deciding whether to join.
This feature builds on WhatsApp’s existing “context card” tool and is part of its broader efforts to fight scams. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 73% of U.S. adults have experienced a scam or cyberattack.
In a recent crackdown, WhatsApp teamed up with Meta and OpenAI to shut down a scam operation in Cambodia. Scammers had used AI tools like ChatGPT to send fake job offers via WhatsApp and then lured users to Telegram, promising fake earnings before requesting crypto deposits.
WhatsApp is also testing more safety features:
- Warnings before chatting with people not in your contact list
- Context cards showing who you’re messaging
- New alerts urging users to “pause” before starting a suspicious chat
These updates reflect WhatsApp’s growing focus on user safety as scam tactics evolve across multiple platforms.
