Received a message from an unknown number? WhatsApp may soon step in

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new safety feature designed to help users avoid online scams and unwanted interactions by warning them before they engage with messages from unknown numbers.

Based on information from feature tracker WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp is reportedly developing a warning screen that would pop up every time a user gets a message from a contact who does not exist in their contact list. This step has been taken by WhatsApp while strengthening its efforts to counter scams in the wake of increase in cases of fraud through impersonation and spam messages.

This feature has still not been deployed on all users and is in the works currently.

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Warning screen for highlighting the danger

According to the screenshots posted by WaBetaInfo, this new alert will ask a direct question from the user asking "Do you trust this person?" It will also include additional information regarding the sender, such as whether the number is saved in their contact list or they are part of any common WhatsApp group with them.

The user can either continue chatting or ignore it. Notably, no notification would be sent to the sender when a user ignores the message.

This feature will help WhatsApp fight back against fraudsters as they pretend to be acquainted or some official authority to obtain valuable information or money from the users.

WhatsApp continues to expand safety features

This is one of the latest developments in the efforts made by WhatsApp towards ensuring improved safety and security for its users. Over the past few months, WhatsApp has been implementing various features that aim at reducing spam, keeping user identity safe, and reducing fraud.

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Additionally, WhatsApp has also been testing its new WhatsApp Plus subscription services in selected countries such as India. This new service will offer users more features than the regular version of the application.

Despite WhatsApp not revealing an official launch date for this feature yet, industry analysts believe that it will be rolled out within the next few months.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new warning feature of WhatsApp for unknown numbers?

This is a new safety feature offered by WhatsApp where a warning screen will pop up when the user receives a message from an unknown number.

Q2. Will the sender be notified if I ignore his/her message upon getting the warning?

No. Upon receiving the message and choosing not to reply to it, WhatsApp will not alert the sender.