WhatsApp will now sniff and warn if a scammy link could steal your account

Meta is rolling out a new protection for WhatsApp users that could stop scammers from hijacking your account before you even realize what is happening. It is one of several new anti-scam measures the company is introducing across its platforms, and this one is particularly clever.

So, how exactly does someone steal your WhatsApp account?

To understand why this update matters, it helps to know how the scam works. Scammers will pose as a legitimate service, such as a talent competition or a voting campaign, and ask you to enter your phone number on a website, followed by a code sent to your WhatsApp. 

In some cases, they will simply ask you to scan a QR code. Both methods are designed to link your WhatsApp account to a device the scammer controls, giving them full access to your messages and contacts. It is a sneaky trick, and a number of people can fall for it because there is no obvious red flag in the moment.

How the new warning system works?

WhatsApp holds our most personal chats, and scammers gaining access to them is anyone’s worst nightmare. Considering this, Meta is adding a new warning system to help prevent this from happening in the first place.

WhatsApp will now analyze behavioral signals to detect when a device linking request looks suspicious. If something seems off, you will get an alert warning you that it could be a scam, giving you the chance to stop and reconsider before anything happens.

What it means for you

WhatsApp has over two billion users, which makes it a prime target for scammers. This new warning system will not stop every attack, but it adds a much-needed speed bump between you and a scammer trying to take over your account. If you get one of these warnings, take it seriously.