• WhatsApp banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam operations in 2023.
• The scam centers primarily operate in Southeast Asia, often using forced labor.
• New features have been launched to alert users about potential scamming tactics.

WhatsApp announced the removal of over 6.8 million accounts connected to scams in the first half of this year, as part of efforts to disrupt criminal operations globally. These accounts were identified and disabled before they could be actively used, reflecting WhatsApp's proactive measures to combat online fraud. Many scams were traced to organized crime groups in Southeast Asia, employing tactics that deceive victims into paying upfront for fake opportunities, such as cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

In response to the increasing prevalence of scams, WhatsApp is introducing new features to enhance user safety. A significant addition is the safety overview, which appears when users are added to new group chats by unfamiliar contacts. This overview provides essential information and safety tips, allowing users to exit the group without engaging further. Notifications from these groups will be muted until the user opts to stay, as WhatsApp aims to minimize the risk of exposure to scams, according to TRT and Dawn.

Moreover, WhatsApp is testing alerts that caution users before they interact with unknown contacts, providing context aimed at preventing engagement with potential scammers. Fraudsters often initiate contact on various platforms, subsequently directing victims to private messaging apps like WhatsApp. These features are part of WhatsApp's ongoing commitment to protect its users from pervasive scam tactics, as detailed by India Times and Channel News Asia.