If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a message from an unknown number, wondering if it’s legit or a scam in disguise, you’re not alone. Scammers have been getting sneakier, sliding into private messages with “exclusive offers,” “quick cash” schemes, or the classic “urgent request from a long-lost cousin you’ve never met.” But, now, WhatsApp is rolling out some new tools in Australia designed to give you the upper hand. And keep your chats scam-free.
First up, Smarter Group Safety. We’ve all been there. One minute you’re minding your own business, the next you’ve been added to a group full of strangers talking about cryptocurrency or discount luxury bags. Now, if someone not in your contacts adds you to a group you don’t recognise, WhatsApp will show you a safety overview before you even peek inside. You’ll get key info, tips to stay safe, and the option to exit without reading a single dodgy message. If it does ring a bell after seeing the details, you can open the chat for more context. But until you confirm you want to stay, notifications from that group will be blissfully silent.
Next is Warnings for Unknown Contacts – a handy feature that gives you extra context when starting a chat with a number that’s not in your contacts. It’s basically WhatsApp’s way of saying, “Hey, are you sure about this?” before you hit send. Scammers often try to lure people in via other platforms and then move the conversation to a private messenger like WhatsApp. This pause-and-think moment is designed to help you spot something shady before you’re in too deep. And while new tools are great, there’s also the big behind-the-scenes work happening. In just the first six months of 2025, WhatsApp and Meta’s security teams banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centres. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill spammers – many are tied to large-scale organised crime and forced labour operations in Southeast Asia. By proactively detecting and shutting down accounts before they can get to you, WhatsApp is stopping a lot of scams before they even start.
But, even with the smartest tech and the biggest ban-hammer, some scams still slip through. That’s where you come in. Here are a few tried-and-true tips for staying safe on WhatsApp.
- Run a Privacy Checkup. Customise your settings so only people you trust can contact you, see your online status, or add you to groups.
- Switch on Two-Step Verification. This adds an extra layer of protection in case someone tries to hijack your account.
- Block and Report. If a message feels off, block the sender and report it. That one click could help protect others too.
- Read Context Cards. If you get one before replying to an unknown number or joining a group, take a moment to read it.
- Silence Unknown Callers. Call-based scams are on the rise, but this setting makes sure they go straight to voicemail.
- Stick to the Official App. Avoid dodgy download sites. Fake versions can steal your data.
Ultimately, staying safe online is a team effort – a mix of smart tech, proactive enforcement, and a healthy dose of common sense. Think of the new WhatsApp safety features as the doorman at your local bar – keeping check for any suspicious behaviour. But, you’re still the one who decides whether to let someone into the VIP area that is your chat list.
