WhatsApp is developing a new security feature designed to help you identify potential scam messages before you respond.
The feature, called Scam Alert, was discovered in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.22.2 and is designed to protect users from fraudulent messages sent by unknown contacts.
Unlike many online security systems that analyze messages on external servers, WhatsApp says Scam Alert will process messages entirely on a user’s device, allowing the company to maintain its end-to-end encryption protections.
According to a description found in the feature’s development build:
“Your messages always stay private and end-to-end encrypted.”
WhatsApp says the analysis will occur directly on a user’s smartphone, meaning message content will not be transmitted to external servers during the scam detection process.
The feature is expected to work by identifying messages from unknown senders that display characteristics commonly associated with fraud or scam attempts. When a message is flagged, WhatsApp will display a warning inside the conversation.
You may see a notice stating:
“This may be a scam.”
The company will not automatically block conversations or prevent users from replying. Instead, users will be given two options: “Block and report” the sender or “Trust” the contact and continue the conversation.
The approach is intended to help you make informed decisions while maintaining control over their chats.
WhatsApp is also reportedly developing a local activity log that will allow users to review instances where Scam Alert was triggered. These records are expected to remain on the device and will not be shared with WhatsApp.
Another privacy-focused element is that the feature will operate silently in the background. Other users will not be notified if Scam Alert is enabled on someone’s account.
The company is expected to make the feature optional. It will be disabled by default, meaning those who want the protection will need to activate it manually through WhatsApp’s settings.
At present, Scam Alert remains under development and is not available to regular users or beta testers for public testing.
