WhatsApp and Messenger Add Warnings to Help Elderly Avoid Online Scams

On Tuesday, Meta introduced new fraud detection features for its messaging apps, WhatsApp and Messenger, as part of a broader initiative to combat online scams targeting elderly users. The company explained that WhatsApp will now display warnings when users attempt to share their screens during calls, while Messenger will flag potential scam messages for AI review.

In the first half of 2025, the tech giant reported detecting and disrupting approximately 8 million accounts engaged in fraudulent activities, including those linked to scam hubs in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. Additionally, it took action against more than 21,000 fake Facebook customer support pages and accounts designed to trick users into revealing personal information.

This issue has become so widespread that many page operators are now aware to disregard any messages claiming to be official customer support. Fraud networks are targeting the elderly across multiple sectors, not limited to social media, but also messaging apps, dating platforms, and cryptocurrency.

On WhatsApp, users will now receive alerts when attempting to share their screen during a video call with an unknown contact. Meta noted that this technique is commonly used to deceive victims into revealing sensitive data, such as banking details and verification codes.

Meanwhile, on Messenger, the company is testing more advanced scam detection technology to analyze whether incoming messages appear suspicious. If deemed risky, the system will highlight signs of fraud and warn users: “Be cautious, you could risk losing money.”

The screen also outlines common scam tactics, such as offers related to work-from-home jobs or easy money schemes, and advises users to block or report suspicious accounts.

My own family members have fallen victim to such scams, and I can attest that the consequences extend beyond the individuals who are exploited. Families often become involved, which can leave victims embarrassed or stubbornly convinced that the scam was a legitimate opportunity.

Scammers frequently use social engineering tactics or pretend to be romantic interests to manipulate victims who may be less tech-savvy or experiencing early-stage dementia. They also target those who are lonely and seeking attention, exploiting these vulnerabilities to drain the life savings of older adults.

Meta should have addressed these issues much earlier on its platforms, especially considering how simple it is to incorporate warnings or reminders within apps. Although it may lack more sophisticated AI systems to review potential scams, even informative alerts could have prevented some of the prior incidents involving elderly victims.

In response, the company stated it has added other background cards, reminders, and warnings related to shipping fraud and instant payment scams, along with a dedicated WhatsApp Security Center. It has issued alerts about Valentine’s Day romance scams and published safety notifications. However, these measures are not specifically tailored to protect older users.

The tech giant also announced its participation in the National Elder Fraud Hotline, a relatively new nonprofit organization that connects law enforcement with companies like AARP, Amazon, Capital One, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart to combat elder-targeted fraud.