WhatsApp new feature could help you avoid scam contacts; Here’s how it works

Meta's popular messaging platform, WhatsApp, is currently in the process of developing an innovative security feature designed to bolster user protection on both Android and iOS devices. Recently, the app was seen trialing a built-in alert system that notifies users when they receive messages from unfamiliar numbers, providing a chance to evaluate the situation prior to engaging in any discussions. According to insights from WABetaInfo, this new feature, referred to as "Scam Alert," is intended to help users steer clear of potentially harmful interactions. When activated, the app will signal a warning within the chat interface if it detects a suspicious or unknown sender. The alert will include crucial information, such as the country code linked to the phone number, and will inform users that "Scammers may try to trick you into giving them personal info, passwords, or ask you to send them money." The functionality of the Scam Alert feature is straightforward. Once enabled, it scrutinizes incoming messages from unknown contacts and flags any conversations that might be indicative of a scam. Users will then have the option to either block and report the contact or continue the dialogue if they feel confident about the sender's authenticity. Importantly, the Scam Alert feature will be optional and will not be activated automatically. Users will need to manually turn it on in the app settings when it becomes available. Furthermore, the feature operates locally on the user's device, ensuring that the end-to-end encryption remains unaffected. Currently, this feature is still under testing, with a rollout expected in future updates of the app for both Android and iOS users.