WhatsApp Introduces Device Linkage Warning as Meta Expands Anti-Fraud Tools Across Facebook Messenger

On Wednesday, Meta Platforms announced a new set of anti-scam tools across its major messaging platforms. The additions are designed to help users identify and prevent online scams, which will be rolling out on Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp. New features include new in-app alerts, better safety controls and partnerships with financial institutions and technology companies according to the Menlo Park-based tech giant. They have been designed to tackle common scams such as impersonation, fake investment schemes and account takeover attempts.

Device Linkage Warning on WhatsApp

A new device linkage warning on WhatsApp to protect users from account takeover attempts was among the most notable additions, Meta said in a blog post about it. When users are notified by the feature when their WhatsApp account is in process of being connected to a new device as suggested by its name, they will be alerted.

The Linked Devices feature is useful in that it allows users to access their chats from other devices such as a laptop or tablet, but fraudsters have increasingly tried to trick users into linking their accounts with attacker-controlled devices.

WhatsApp will display a clear warning message when device-linking attempt appears suspicious with the new safety system in place, and it is clearly marked by ‘device-related attempts’. A link to the account will also allow someone else to read their messages and encourage users “to look at the request carefully” before approving it, according to this notification.

According to Meta, the instant messaging app will also display more information about the risk and remind users that “the device they are trying to connect will be able to access their chats”.

Other New Features

In addition, Meta is adding additional safeguards to Messenger and Facebook that will help prevent common forms of online fraud. This means it is bringing AI-powered scam detection on Messenger to more countries. Messenger will display a warning to the user when ‘chat with another contact shows patterns commonly associated with scams’, according to tech giant. In addition, the alert may also be asking if users would like to share recent messages for an AI-based scam review.

Messenger will provide more information about common scam tactics and suggest actions users can take if they are aware of potential fraud.

meanwhile, Meta is testing a new system that displays warnings when users send or receive suspicious friend requests on Facebook. Alerts are also made when an account shows signs of unusual behaviour. Similarly, for example, the system may flag requests from accounts with very few mutual friends or indicate another country place in their account.

If a request is detected, Facebook will display an alert encouraging users to carefully review the account before accepting the request. If the request is suspicious, it may be blocked or rejected by a notification from .

The feature is a larger effort to help users identify earlier scam attempts and make safer decisions when dealing with unfamiliar accounts across its platforms, Meta says.