Meta is working on a new scam detection feature for WhatsApp called Scam Alert. This tool is designed to spot potentially fraudulent messages from unknown senders while preserving end-to-end encryption and without transmitting message content to any server.
The feature was recently observed in a WhatsApp beta for Android by WABetaInfo. There is no announced release date, and the feature is still in development and not yet available to all users.
How WhatsApp’s New Scam Alert Feature Works
Scam Alert operates entirely on your device. WhatsApp does not send messages to external servers for analysis. The system checks incoming messages from contacts not saved in your address book and shows a warning within the chat if it detects potential scam activity.
The method is similar to WhatsApp’s existing voice transcription feature, which also works completely on-device without sending audio files to servers.
When Scam Alert detects a possible scam, a warning appears directly in the chat. Users have full control and can choose to block and report the contact or dismiss the warning and continue the conversation. The feature does not block communication with unknown contacts.
Local logs are created on your device to record when Scam Alert flags potential scam activity. These logs stay stored locally and are not sent elsewhere.
Default Settings, Privacy Guarantees, and Why Scam Alert Matters Users
According to WABetaInfo, Scam Alert will be disabled by default, meaning users must opt in to activate it. This allows users who do not want any message analysis to continue unaffected, even on their device.
Since the analysis happens locally and messages stay end-to-end encrypted, Meta does not have access to the message contents through this feature.
WhatsApp scam messages from unknown numbers impersonating banks, government agencies, or delivery services continue to be a common issue.
Currently, protections depend on users recognizing spam and reporting it manually. Adding an automated warning system that detects suspicious patterns before the user responds would provide an extra layer of security, especially for those less familiar with typical scam tactics.
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