Fake WhatsApp Targets Users With Spyware, Meta-Owned App Issues Alert: How To Protect Your Account

Meta is rolling out new anti-scam features to protect users. WhatsApp now alerts users when a device-linking request may be fraudulent. Scammers have been using this tactic to hijack accounts by tricking users into sharing a linking code or scanning a malicious QR code. The new features are designed to catch fraud attempts before they engage with users. Meta has also expanded its anti-scam detection feature on Messenger to more countries. The company has removed over 159 million scam ads and taken down over 10.9 million accounts linked to criminal scam operations. Meta participated in a global law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of 21 suspects and the shutdown of over 150,000 accounts linked to scam networks. The operation targeted groups running fake cryptocurrency investment schemes and extortion rings. Meta's new features aim to protect users from sophisticated scam networks.