WhatsApp has removed over 6.8 million accounts in the first half of this year as part of a global crackdown on scams. The move aims to curb the growing threat of digital fraud that targets users through the popular messaging platform.
Many of the accounts were linked to scam centres operating in South East Asia. These criminal networks often use forced labour and operate across countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand. The scam operations typically involve manipulating users through fake investment opportunities, phishing attempts, and hijacked accounts.
To enhance user safety, WhatsApp has rolled out new anti-scam features designed to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. One such measure includes alerting users when they are added to a group chat by someone who is not in their contacts. This addresses a common tactic used by scammers to lure victims into fraudulent schemes under the guise of group investment opportunities or quick money-making plans.
WhatsApp’s security systems are also able to proactively identify and take down suspicious accounts before they are used for malicious activities. In one case, the company helped disrupt a scam linked to a Cambodian criminal group that was promoting a fraudulent rent-a-scooter pyramid scheme. The operation even used AI-generated content to issue fake instructions to victims, reflecting the evolving sophistication of online scams.
Typically, fraudsters initiate contact through SMS or messaging apps before transitioning conversations to more private platforms. These scams often conclude on payment or cryptocurrency platforms, where victims are promised high returns after paying an upfront fee—a red flag that users are being urged to recognize.
Authorities across the region have been advising users to be cautious of unusual requests received via messaging apps. Features such as WhatsApp’s two-step verification are being promoted as effective ways to secure accounts from unauthorized access and potential hijacking.
As scammers become more inventive in their tactics, messaging platforms and users alike must stay vigilant. The removal of millions of accounts underscores the scale of the threat and the need for continued investment in safety measures to protect users globally.
