WhatsApp Bans Millions of Scam Accounts, Rolls Out New Security Tools
In a major move to enhance user safety, WhatsApp has banned over 6.8 million accounts connected to scam operations and rolled out fresh in-app safety features to curb fraudulent activities on the platform.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by Meta’s Vice President for Public Policy in Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, Mr. Kojo Boakye.
Boakye said the banned accounts, which were taken down between January and June 2025, were part of WhatsApp’s proactive efforts to disrupt global scam networks.
“The fight against scams is relentless, and we are continually evolving our defences to stay ahead of bad actors,” he stated.
He noted that the accounts were neutralised before scammers could fully execute their schemes, averting potential harm to countless users.
Many of these scams originate on dating apps or through unsolicited text messages and are later moved to WhatsApp, where users are lured to third-party platforms for fraudulent transactions.
Boakye explained that typical scams include bogus investment pitches, fake job offers, or demands for upfront payments with the promise of high returns.
One investigation uncovered a criminal ring in Cambodia using artificial intelligence to generate persuasive scam messages. The group reportedly used ChatGPT to create deceptive content, which was initially distributed on WhatsApp before directing victims to Telegram.
“Once there, victims were manipulated into liking TikTok videos and then pressured into depositing funds into fake cryptocurrency accounts,” he said.
Boakye said the operation was dismantled through a joint effort involving Meta, WhatsApp, and OpenAI.
To counter such threats, WhatsApp is introducing new in-app protections. One such feature notifies users when they’re added to a group by someone outside their contact list, allowing them to review or leave quietly. These groups remain muted unless the user chooses to engage.
Additionally, the platform is piloting message alerts from unknown numbers, offering extra context to help users decide whether to interact.
“We believe a safer messaging space is built on strong technology, proactive detection, and user education,” Boakye explained.
He urged users to remain cautious, especially when contacted by unknown individuals seeking personal data, PINs, or financial information.
“This reflects our commitment to not only ban malicious accounts but also empower people with tools and knowledge to stay secure,” he added.
Boakye reaffirmed WhatsApp’s readiness to collaborate with industry players and authorities to combat fraud and safeguard digital spaces.
