Meta the parent company of WhatsApp announced that it has removed 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts during the first half of 2025. These accounts were linked to scam operations, many of them coordinated by organized crime centers in Southeast Asia, and were involved in a variety of fraudulent schemes, including cryptocurrency scams, pyramid marketing, and fake investment offers.
How WhatsApp Detects and Blocks Scam Accounts Before They Strike
To stay ahead of cybercriminals, WhatsApp uses advanced technical signals and machine learning algorithms to spot suspicious account behavior. These tools look for indicators like mass messaging patterns, automated bot-like activity, or rapid account creation from suspicious IP ranges.
This strategy, Meta explains, helps cut off scams at the source before a user receives that first fake investment pitch or lottery message. Meta is also using pattern recognition technologies and behavioral data gathered over years of scam fighting to fine-tune its detection systems.
“It’s no longer about just removing accounts after a complaint. We’re using behavior-based models to stop scams proactively,” said a Meta security analyst.
New Group Chat Security Features Aim to Stop Scams Before They Spread
Alongside account bans, WhatsApp has rolled out new group chat security updates aimed at preventing abuse. One major feature under launch is a group preview for invitations: if someone not in your contacts adds you to a group, WhatsApp will notify you with a full preview of the group’s details, including the creator’s name and the number of members.
This gives users a chance to quietly exit suspicious groups without having to view messages or alert other members.
This builds on earlier privacy changes where WhatsApp restricted who could add users to groups without consent.
Alert Messages for Unknown Contacts Strengthen Scam Defenses
Another protective feature currently being tested is an alert system for unknown senders. If a message arrives from a number not saved in your contacts, WhatsApp will display an on-screen warning encouraging caution.
This feature is especially helpful in countering social engineering scams, where bad actors impersonate someone trustworthy or try to pressure users with urgent messages, emotional stories, or fake emergencies.
Despite these tools, cybercriminals are becoming more elusive. According to reports in The Washington Post and AP News, scam networks are now leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to craft highly convincing messages. In one documented case, a victim received a friendly WhatsApp message created using an AI chatbot, which led to a follow-up conversation on Telegram and eventually a scam investment video on TikTok.
Meta Warns Users to Stay Cautious from High Fraud Losses
Security professionals and regulatory agencies continue to emphasize the importance of user awareness. In many scams, criminals create a sense of urgency or fear to manipulate people into quick action. The Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud losses in the U.S. reached $12.5 billion in 2024, with messaging app scams accounting for a growing portion.
Common red flags include strangers offering investment tips, claiming you’ve won a prize, or pretending to be a family member in need. Experts recommend avoiding quick responses, never sharing personal or financial information over chat, and verifying any unusual request by calling the person directly.
