Meta Rolls Out New Tools to Combat Scams Across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger

Meta today announced new anti-scam tools across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger as part of an effort to limit fraud on its platforms. The company also says it is expanding its use of AI systems to detect scams faster while working more closely with law enforcement and industry partners.

Meta steps up AI scam detection efforts across its apps

On WhatsApp, the company is rolling out alerts for suspicious device-linking requests. Scammers sometimes trick users into sharing their phone number or scanning a QR code that links their WhatsApp account to another device. The new warning shows where the request is coming from and gives users a chance to reconsider before proceeding.

Meanwhile, Facebook is also testing alerts for suspicious friend requests. If an account shows unusual signals, such as having very few mutual friends or listing a different country location, users may see a prompt suggesting they review the request carefully before accepting it. 

Last but not least, Messenger is expanding advanced scam detection to more countries. When chats with new contacts show patterns linked to common scams, such as suspicious job offers, the system can warn users and offer the option to submit messages for an AI review.

Meta says AI is also helping detect impersonation scams involving celebrities, public figures, and brands. The systems analyze signals across text, images, and context to identify deceptive activity and fake websites designed to mimic legitimate ones. To combat scams, the company is also expanding advertiser verification. 

In 2025, Meta removed more than 159 million scam ads globally. In India alone, the company banned over 12.1 million pieces of ad content, with more than 93 percent removed proactively. It also took down 10.9 million accounts linked to scam centers. Recently, Meta also joined a global operation with law enforcement that shut down over 150,000 accounts related to scam networks in Southeast Asia.

Meta further says awareness remains critical in the fight against scams. Earlier this year, it launched the third edition of its “Scam se Bacho” campaign in India with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and SEBI.