Online scams are becoming harder to identify, especially when fraudsters approach users through messaging apps. WhatsApp has now introduced an optional on-device machine-learning feature designed to identify suspicious conversations and warn users about potential scams. The feature analyses message patterns directly on the phone rather than sending the contents of private chats to WhatsApp.
How does WhatsApp's new scam protection work?
The new feature uses a lightweight machine-learning model that runs on the user's device. It looks for patterns associated with potentially fraudulent conversations, particularly messages from unknown contacts.
Because the analysis takes place on the device, WhatsApp says the feature is designed to preserve its end-to-end encryption model.
Why is this useful?
Scammers often use familiar tricks to make people act quickly. They may claim that:
Your bank account needs urgent verification
You have won a prize
Your parcel is stuck
Your SIM card will be blocked
Someone needs an OTP immediately
You have received a job or investment opportunity
The biggest warning sign is often the pressure to act immediately.
A scam-detection warning can provide an additional reminder to stop and verify the message before responding.
Never share an OTP
Even if a message appears to come from a friend, bank or government organisation, never share your OTP, UPI PIN, card PIN or password with another person.
If someone asks for an OTP while claiming that it is needed to “receive” money, treat it as a major warning sign.
Check the sender before replying
If you receive a message from an unknown number, don't immediately click the attached link or download a file.
Instead:
Check the phone number.
Look at the sender's profile information.
Read the message carefully.
Check whether the request makes sense.
Contact the organisation through its official website or app if necessary.
Don't trust familiar-looking links
Scammers can create links that look almost identical to legitimate websites.
Before entering your password, card details or other personal information, check the website address carefully.
If you're unsure, close the link and open the official website manually instead.
Turn on two-step verification
Another useful WhatsApp security feature is two-step verification.
