WhatsApp Rolls Out Pre-Chat Warning Screen to Flag Potential Scammers on Android and iOS

WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature on Android and iOS that displays a warning screen before users can open a chat with an unfamiliar phone number. The feature, first spotted by WABetaInfo, is designed to help users avoid falling victim to scammers and phishing attempts by adding a moment of friction before message delivery.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp now checks the phone number when a user attempts to open a chat. If the number lacks trust signals—such as being saved in the user's contacts or sharing a common group—the app shows a cautionary screen. This screen displays details like the phone number's country code, whether it is stored in contacts, and any mutual groups. Users can then choose to proceed to the chat or exit before opening the conversation, while the recipient remains unaware of the decision.

“If WhatsApp shows this warning, you should take a moment to actually read the details instead of starting the chat. A different country code is already a strong reason to stop and verify,” WABetaInfo noted. The feature aims to reduce impulsive interactions with potential scammers who often use spoofed or international numbers.

However, the warning is not foolproof. WABetaInfo cautioned that if a scammer is already saved as a contact for some reason, the warning may not appear. Additionally, not every unfamiliar number is malicious—someone you know might have simply switched to a new phone number for a legitimate reason. The system relies on trust signals that can be bypassed if a scammer has previously established contact.

According to Bitdefender, WhatsApp remains a prime target for scammers due to its massive user base and phone number-based messaging system. Common threats include impersonation scams, fake job offers, cryptocurrency fraud, and phishing campaigns. The new warning screen adds a layer of protection by prompting users to verify the identity of unknown contacts before engaging.

Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has been gradually introducing anti-scam features across its platforms. This latest addition follows similar efforts on Facebook Messenger and Instagram, where warning prompts appear for suspicious messages. The rollout is expected to reach all users on Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

While the feature is a positive step, security experts emphasize that user awareness remains critical. Scammers continuously adapt their tactics, and no automated system can catch every threat. Users are advised to remain cautious when contacted by unknown numbers, especially those from different countries or requesting sensitive information.

The article adds that the warning screen displays the phone number's registered country, contact status, and any shared groups, and that the recipient receives no notification of the user's decision, eliminating social pressure to proceed. It also notes that the feature is rolling out globally on both Android and iOS, and that cross-border number registration appears to be a primary trigger signal, though WhatsApp has not disclosed exact algorithmic thresholds.