WhatsApp is rolling out new features aimed at enhancing user safety by alerting them when they start chats with unknown contacts, helping to prevent potential scams.

This initiative comes in response to a growing prevalence of online scams, with a Pew Research Center survey revealing that 73% of U.S. adults have encountered scams or online attacks.

The urgency for these protective measures is underscored by the FBI's report indicating that scammers stole a staggering $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024.

In the first half of 2025, WhatsApp detected and banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centers, demonstrating Meta's commitment to combating organized crime in scam activities.

WhatsApp's collaboration with OpenAI aims to disrupt scam operations that utilize AI-generated messages to deceive victims, particularly those leading to platforms like Telegram.

The majority of the banned accounts were associated with cryptocurrency investment scams and pyramid schemes, highlighting the specific threats users face.

Reported scams have included fake earnings tasks and high-pressure cryptocurrency investment schemes that exploit victims' trust.

WhatsApp has specifically warned users to be cautious of requests for upfront payments that promise returns, a common tactic used by scammers.

The new safety overview feature will provide users with essential information, such as the group's creation date and the inviter's identity, before they access chat messages.

Users will have the option to exit a group chat without viewing the messages, and notifications will be muted until they choose to stay.

The rollout of these safety tools will be gradual, with plans for refinement based on user feedback and evolving fraud tactics.

This feature builds on the previously implemented 'context card', which provided key details about all group invitations, enhancing user awareness.