Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Messenger, has rolled out enhanced scam detection features aimed at protecting older users from online fraud.
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Key points:
- Meta has introduced new scam detection features on WhatsApp and Messenger, including screen-sharing warnings and AI-assisted chat reviews, targeting older users.
- Since early 2025, Meta has disrupted nearly 8 million scam-linked accounts and acted against 21,000+ pages impersonating customer support.
- Meta’s efforts aim to safeguard vulnerable users, particularly seniors, by providing clearer context to spot scams and recommended actions like blocking or reporting suspicious accounts.
“Cross-border criminal networks continue to operate at scale globally and use sophisticated schemes to target people — including older adults — across many industries through messaging, dating apps, social media, crypto, and other apps,” Meta wrote in an official announcement.
Meta has introduced new screen-sharing warnings on WhatsApp, alerting users when attempting to share their screen with unknown contacts during video calls. The feature targets a common scam tactic in which fraudsters pressure victims to reveal sensitive information, such as bank details or verification codes. According to Meta, the warnings aim to provide users with clearer context to recognize and avoid potential scams.
On Messenger, Meta is piloting enhanced scam detection within chats. When activated, the system alerts users if a new contact sends a message that appears suspicious and offers the option to submit recent chat activity for AI review. If a potential scam is identified, the platform provides guidance on common scam tactics and recommends steps such as blocking or reporting the account.
Meta reported that since the beginning of 2025, its team has identified and disrupted nearly 8 million accounts linked to scam operations in countries including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. The company also took action against more than 21,000 Pages and accounts impersonating customer support, which were attempting to deceive users into revealing personal information.
Efforts across the online community are increasingly focused on safeguarding the most vulnerable users, particularly older adults and children, from digital threats. As part of efforts to safeguard children online, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 243 into law on October 13, enhancing California’s digital protections and establishing new regulations for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The legislation mandates digital platforms implement age verification, protocols for self-harm and suicide, warnings for social media and AI chatbots, and imposes tougher penalties for monetizing illegal deepfakes.
As technology evolves and online scams become more sophisticated, it is increasingly important for capable organizations and individuals to protect less tech-savvy users, educating them about potential threats and helping them navigate digital risks safely.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
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