WhatsApp and Messenger add new warnings to help older people avoid online scams

In an effort to protect older users from online scams, Meta has rolled out new security features for its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger. The company announced these updates on Tuesday, highlighting its commitment to addressing the growing issue of fraud that disproportionately affects senior citizens. Starting now, WhatsApp will display warnings when users attempt to share their screen during video calls with unknown contacts. This precaution is designed to prevent scammers from coercing victims into revealing sensitive information, such as banking details and verification codes. Meanwhile, Messenger is testing advanced algorithms to detect potentially fraudulent messages. When suspicious content is identified, users will receive alerts indicating that they should proceed with caution to avoid financial loss. Meta reported that in the first half of 2025, it identified and took action against approximately 8 million accounts involved in scam activities, including those linked to operations in countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the UAE, and the Philippines. The company also shut down over 21,000 Facebook Pages and accounts impersonating customer support, a tactic commonly used to deceive individuals into sharing personal information. The issue of online scams targeting older adults extends beyond social media, infiltrating various sectors such as dating apps and cryptocurrency platforms. Scammers frequently exploit social isolation and emotional vulnerabilities, employing tactics like social engineering to lure victims. These deceptive practices can lead to significant financial losses, not only affecting the individuals targeted but also impacting their families. Despite the late introduction of these protective measures, Meta's new initiatives signal a step towards addressing the alarming trend of elder fraud. The tech giant is also collaborating with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, a nonprofit organization that unites law enforcement and corporations, including AARP and Google, to tackle fraud aimed at older adults. While these measures may not completely eradicate the issue, they represent a meaningful shift in how technology companies can better safeguard their users, especially the most vulnerable among them.