WhatsApp has implemented a new security feature aimed at enhancing user safety by alerting them before they start conversations with unfamiliar phone numbers. This update is being made available to both Android and iOS users.
Enhanced Security for Messaging
The new feature, highlighted by WABetaInfo, provides users with critical information about the phone number in question, including its country of registration, whether it is saved in the contacts, and any shared group affiliations. This pre-chat alert encourages users to carefully consider the possibility of scams before proceeding.
Unlike previous security measures that activate during interactions, this warning intercepts potential risks at the earliest stage. Once a user attempts to message an unrecognized number, WhatsApp evaluates the number for any trust indicators.
How the New Feature Works
Should the number appear unfamiliar, a confirmation screen prompts users to assess the trustworthiness of the contact. Users can then choose to either continue or cancel the communication, with the recipient remaining unaware of the user’s decision.
This feature is part of Meta’s ongoing commitment to bolstering security against messaging scams, a commitment publicly announced in August 2025. By creating a moment of hesitation, WhatsApp aims to disrupt fraudulent schemes that rely on users not questioning seemingly harmless messages like “Hey, it’s me, I changed my number.”
Guidelines for Users
When encountering this warning, users are advised to:
- Examine the displayed details, especially the phone number’s registered country.
- Verify the contact’s identity through alternative channels, such as calling their previous number.
- Consult mutual contacts if the person claims familiarity.
- Abort the chat if anything seems suspicious, as proceeding could lead to significant risks.
Though the system is not infallible, as saved numbers may bypass the warning, it represents a significant step in enhancing user protection. Legitimate contacts with changed numbers might also trigger this alert, and WhatsApp has not disclosed the precise criteria for these warnings.
This feature is currently being released globally, adding another layer to WhatsApp’s comprehensive anti-scam strategies. Ultimately, user vigilance remains crucial in preventing scams.
