WhatsApp Bans of 6.8m Scam accounts, launches a safety tool

The scammers are working harder than ever to deceive people online, but WhatsApp is returning back. In the first half of 2025, WhatsApp eliminated more than 6.8 million accounts linked to the networks of global scams, many of them administered by criminal groups and even forced labor fields in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, the application is implementing new tools to facilitate the detection of scams and stay safe while messages of messages. These updates occur when scammers use more and more private messaging applications, dating platforms, social networks and even AI tools such as Chatgpt to run their schemes. Let’s break down the new, how the scams are evolving and what it can do at this time to protect themselves.

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How scammers are aimed at WhatsApp users

Online scams no longer live on a single platform. Criminal operations often begin with a text application or appointments, move on to WhatsApp and end on Telegram or an exchange of cryptography. In just one scheme, scammers can take a victim through five different applications to hinder the most difficult fraud.

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In a recent demolition, WhatsApp and Meta were associated with Openai to close a scam operation linked to Cambodia. The scammers used chatgpt to generate messages that offer false concerts “Like for payment.” The victims were told to send a message on WhatsApp, then they moved to Telegram and were asked to like Tiktok videos. Once trust was built, the scammers requested cryptographic deposits to unlock false profits.

These scams feed on financial stress and urgency. If someone promises fast cash, easy returns or presses it to act quickly, stop and think.

New WhatsApp Anti-SCAM tools

To stop the scams before it extends, WhatsApp is presenting new features to give more control.

GENERAL GROUP SAFETY DESCRIPTION

If someone who is not in their contacts adds it to a group, now you will see a security screen with details about the group and the privacy councils. You can leave the group instantly, without reading a single message. Notifications remain silent unless confirming that you want to stay.

Additional warnings for unknown contacts

Scammers often communicate on social networks or in the dating sites, then ask to change WhatsApp. To help you detect these red flags, WhatsApp is testing alerts shown when you send messages to someone who is not in your contacts. These alerts provide an additional context so that you can decide whether to participate.

How to avoid common messaging scams

WhatsApp has been associated with Internet security expert Rachel Tobac to share this three -step strategy to stop the scams before they succeed:

1) Pause

Decelerate. If you do not recognize the number or message, wait before answering.

2) Question

Does it seem realistic? Are they asking for money, pins or gift cards? Are you offering great payments for little work? These are classic fraud signs.

3) Verify

If someone claims to be a friend or relative, contact it through another method he already uses, such as calling their regular telephone number.

How to protect yourself from WhatsApp scams

Even with WhatsApp eliminating 6.8 million accounts linked to the scam, the responsibility of staying safe does not end there. The scammers will always find new angles and, often, will take advantage of the same people on multiple platforms. That is why it is intelligent to take additional steps beyond what WhatsApp offers. Here are five ways to add protection layers:

1) Use strong antivirus software

Scammers often try to cheat it to click links or download files that can compromise your device. A strong antivirus program can block these threats before they damage. You can also alert it about Phishing attempts disguised as WhatsApp messages. The best way to safeguard the malicious links that install malware, which potentially access their private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all its devices. This protection can also alert it to the PHISHING Electronic Correos and Ransomware scams, maintaining their personal information and their safe digital assets.

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2) Establish stricter privacy controls on WhatsApp

Limit who can add it to group chats or see your personal information. Go to your WhatsApp privacy settings and change the “groups” to “my contacts” or “my contacts except …” to avoid being taken to suspicious chats. Here we show you how to limit who can add it to the WhatsApp group chats:

• Open WhatsApp On your phone.
• Touch the Settings icon:On iPhone: Lower right corner.In Android: Touch the three points in the upper right, then select Settings. (SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone)
• On iPhone: Lower right corner.
• In Android: Touch the three points in the upper right, then select Settings. (SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone)
• Tap Privacy.
• Move down and touch Groups.
• Choose one of the following options:All – Anyone can add to groups. (Not recommended)My contacts – Only people in their contacts can add it.My contacts except … – Select specific contacts that you want to block to add it to the groups.
• All – Anyone can add to groups. (Not recommended)
• My contacts – Only people in their contacts can add it.
• My contacts except … – Select specific contacts that you want to block to add it to the groups.
• Tap Made or the rear arrow to save its configuration.

For the Council: As long as you are in the privacy menu, check other configurations such as Profile photo, Aboutand Last seen and online. Establish them in My contacts either Nobody For even more control over who can see your personal information.

3) Eliminate your personal web data

Scammers often scratch the Internet in search of names, numbers, emails and social media accounts so that their messages seem more convincing. A personal data disposal service can help scrub your data from Data Broker sites, which hinders the scammers to sign up for you.

While no service can guarantee the complete elimination of your Internet data, a data removal service is really an intelligent option. They are not cheap and it is not your privacy. These services do all the work by you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal internet data.

By limiting the available information, it reduces the risk of cross -references data of infractions with information they can find in the dark network, which makes it difficult to be pointed out.

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4) Enable two factors authentication

Turn on the two -step verification on WhatsApp to prevent someone from kidnapping their account. This adds an additional pin code that scammers cannot happen, even if they deceive you to reveal your login credentials.

How to enable two -step verification on WhatsApp

• Open WhatsApp On your phone.
• Touch the Settings icon:On iPhone: Lower right corner.In Android: Touch the three points in the upper right, then select Settings. (SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone).
• On iPhone: Lower right corner.
• In Android: Touch the three points in the upper right, then select Settings. (SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone).
• Tap Account.
• Tap Two -step verification.
• Tap Allow either Light.
• Create a 6 -digit pin You will remember.
• Confirm the PIN.
• (Optional but recommended) Add your email address. This allows you to restore the pin if you forget it.
• Tap Next and then Made.

Once enabled, WhatsApp occasionally ask you to enter your pin again to help you remember. This aggregate security layer helps lock scammers, even if you have access to your phone number or SIM card.

5) Do not mix platforms when chatting

If someone sends you messages on WhatsApp but says they found you on Instagram or in an appointment application, it is very cautious. The centers of criminal scammers are based on jumping between platforms to avoid detection. Do not follow links or move conversations unless you have confirmed identity in another channel of trust.

What this means for you

If you use WhatsApp, these new tools give you more control over who contacts you and how. The scams are not always obvious, but with the safety characteristics incorporated and a little skeptic Imism can avoid expensive errors. The fact that WhatsApp has banned millions of accounts showing how extended and organized these scams have become. Staying informed is your first line of defense.

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Kurt’s Key Takeways

Scammers will always look for new ways to deceive people, but applications such as WhatsApp are struggling with smarter tools and better protections. Knowing what to observe and how to respond can make a difference. Then, before clicking, responding or sharing, take a moment to stop, question and verify.

Has it ever been the target of a scam at WhatsApp or other application? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com/contact

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