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Meta Introduces AI-Powered Scam Alert on WhatsApp

Thursday, August 13, 2026 · 1 sources

Meta has launched an optional Scam Alert feature on WhatsApp to detect suspicious messages using on-device machine learning. The feature is currently rolling out in a limited beta.

Meta is introducing a new feature on WhatsApp to help users avoid scams. The Scam Alert feature uses on-device machine learning to flag suspicious messages. This feature is optional and is currently available in a limited beta release. If a chat appears to be suspicious, the feature will show users a warning. Earlier this year, Meta also launched scam detection for device linking requests on WhatsApp. This new feature is part of Meta's efforts to enhance user safety on the platform.

The use of on-device machine learning allows the feature to function without sending message content to Meta's servers, providing an additional layer of privacy for users. As the feature is still in its beta phase, it may take some time before it becomes widely available to all WhatsApp users.

The 50+ takeaway: New feature helps detect scams on WhatsApp.

Go Deeper

How does the Scam Alert feature work?

The Scam Alert feature uses on-device machine learning to analyze message content and flag suspicious chats. It does not send message content to Meta's servers, providing an additional layer of privacy for users.

Is the Scam Alert feature available to all WhatsApp users?

The feature is currently available in a limited beta release, and it may take some time before it becomes widely available to all WhatsApp users.

What other safety features has Meta introduced on WhatsApp?

Earlier this year, Meta launched scam detection for device linking requests on WhatsApp. This new feature is part of Meta's efforts to enhance user safety on the platform.

How will I know if a chat is suspicious?

If a chat appears to be suspicious, the Scam Alert feature will show users a warning. This warning is intended to help users avoid potential scams.

Can I opt-out of the Scam Alert feature?

Yes, the Scam Alert feature is optional, and users can choose to enable or disable it according to their preferences.