WhatsApp introduces a new security feature that displays a "safety overview" context card to help users identify potential scams when added to group chats by unknown contacts.
What happened
WhatsApp launched a new security feature designed to protect users from group chat scams. The feature activates when someone not in a user's contact list adds them to a group chat, displaying a "safety overview" context card. This card provides information about the group's creation date, member count, potential scam attempts, and instructions on controlling group addition permissions. Users can exit the group without viewing the chat or choose to see the chat for more context after reviewing the safety overview. WhatsApp silences notifications from these groups until users confirm they want to stay. The company also sends notifications when users receive messages from contacts outside their address book, providing additional context about unknown senders.
Going deeper
WhatsApp disabled over 6.8 million accounts in the first six months of 2025, all linked to scam centers targeting its users. The company collaborated with OpenAI to dismantle a criminal scam center in Cambodia that operated multiple fraud schemes including cryptocurrency investment scams, fake payment schemes for likes, and rent-a-scooter pyramid schemes. In one documented case, scammers used ChatGPT to generate initial text messages containing WhatsApp chat links that redirected targets to Telegram, where victims were asked to like TikTok videos. These scam operations typically run multiple campaigns simultaneously, starting with text messages or dating apps before moving targets through social media, private messaging apps, and ultimately to payment or cryptocurrency platforms.
What was said
WhatsApp stated that the safety overview "will include key information about the group and tips to stay safe. From there, you can exit the group without ever having to look at the chat." The company added, "And if you think you might recognize the group after seeing the safety overview, you can choose to see the chat for more context. Regardless, notifications from the group will be silenced until you mark that you want to stay."
Regarding suspicious messages, WhatsApp encouraged users to "pause, question, and verify, before responding to a suspicious or unusual message, especially if it's from a number you don't know promising fast money."
The company explained that "these scam centers typically run many scam campaigns at once – from cryptocurrency investments to pyramid schemes" and noted that "scams may start with a text message or on a dating app, then move to social media, private messaging apps and ultimately payment or crypto platforms."
Why it matters
This security enhancement addresses a specific vulnerability in WhatsApp's group chat functionality that scammers have exploited to reach potential victims. The feature directly tackles the problem of unwanted group additions by unknown contacts, which has become a common entry point for fraud schemes. With WhatsApp disabling nearly 7 million scam-related accounts in just six months, this proactive security measure could reduce users' exposure to organized scam operations.
FAQs
Can I turn off the safety overview feature if I don’t want it?
No, the feature is built into WhatsApp for all users and cannot be disabled.
Does the safety overview work for one-on-one chats with unknown numbers?
No, it only applies when you are added to a group by someone not in your contacts.
Can scammers still reach me through voice or video calls despite this feature?
Yes, the safety overview only addresses group chat additions, not direct calls.
Will this feature reduce the number of scam messages sent outside of groups?
No, it is primarily designed to reduce exposure to scams through group invitations.
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