Mark Zuckerberg deletes 6.8m WhatsApp accounts linked to scam, rolls out new preventive features 

Mark Zuckerberg deletes 6.8m WhatsApp accounts linked to scam, rolls out new preventive features

Zuckerberg said the move is part of Meta’s broader objective to protect users from fraudulent activities.
The company also introduced new measures on the messaging app to help users spot scams and keep them safe while chatting.

Meta took the measures following an increase in cases where fraudsters hijack WhatsApp accounts, add users to fake group chats that prompt fake investment schemes.

“In the first six months of this year, as part of our ongoing proactive work to protect people from scams, WhatsApp detected and banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centers.
“Based on our investigative insights into the latest enforcement efforts, we proactively detected and took down accounts before scam centers were able to operationalize them,” said Meta in a statement published on August 5, 2025.
The leading messaging platform introduced an overview of the group a user is added to by someone not in their contact list.

The overview includes key information about the group and tips to stay safe. Using the information, a user can exit the group without ever having to look at the chat, or if it is a recognized group, select the option to see the chat for more context.
WhatsApp said it is exploring ways to caution users when they start a chat with someone not in their contacts by showing them additional context about who they are messaging, to help them make an informed decision.

The messaging app urged users to pause, question, and verify before responding to a suspicious or unusual message, especially if it is from someone not in their contact list.
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