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As scams targeting older adults online continue to rise, Meta has launched new scam detection and warning features on its messaging apps, WhatsApp and Messenger. These updates aim to reduce fraud by informing users about suspicious activity during messaging and calls. Squaredtech welcomes Meta’s effort to protect vulnerable users, especially older adults, from financial loss and emotional distress caused by scams.
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Enhanced Scam Detection Features on WhatsApp and Messenger
Meta announced on Tuesday that WhatsApp and Messenger now include new safeguards specifically designed to help older users avoid scams that frequently occur on these platforms. On WhatsApp, users will receive a clear warning if they attempt to share their screen during a video call with an unknown contact. Screen sharing during calls is a common scam tactic to trick victims into revealing sensitive data like bank information and verification codes.
Messenger is introducing more sophisticated scam detection technology to scan inbound messages for suspicious content. When a message seems risky, Messenger alerts users with a warning to “be cautious, you could be at risk of losing money.” This warning also explains frequent scam methods such as fake work-from-home job offers and promises of easy cash, encouraging users to block or report suspicious accounts.
These new warnings provide older adults with targeted alerts and instructions on how to act, offering a proactive way to prevent scams before they happen. We see this as an important step in giving users practical tools to recognize and avoid fraud attempts.
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Meta’s Broader Fight Against Scam Operations Exploiting Older Adults
Fraud is a widespread problem on social media and messaging apps, especially targeting seniors who may be less familiar with online risks or more trusting due to loneliness or cognitive decline. Meta revealed that it has disrupted about 8 million scam accounts worldwide during the first half of 2025 alone. Many scams originated from organized operations in countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.
In addition, Meta has taken down over 21,000 Facebook Pages and accounts disguised as customer support to trick people into sharing personal information. Due to the volume of these scams, many platform users now automatically distrust any unsolicited customer support-like messages, further complicating legitimate service efforts.
Scam syndicates exploit multiple industries beyond social media, including dating platforms, cryptocurrency, and work-from-home schemes. Older adults are often the main targets because scammers use social engineering tactics and emotional manipulation, such as developing fake romantic relationships or offering fake job opportunities to persuade victims to share money or data.
We emphasize the significance of Meta’s commitment to combating this problem, as it reflects growing corporate responsibility to actively protect some of the most vulnerable users online.
Challenges and Importance of Early Scam Warnings for Senior Users
The impact of scams on older adults goes beyond financial losses. Victims often experience embarrassment and reluctance to reveal they have been scammed. Family members sometimes must intervene, which can strain relationships and cause further stress. Personally, some Squaredtech team members have family affected by online scams, underscoring the real-life consequences.
Although Meta has now implemented robust warnings on WhatsApp and Messenger, it took some time to address these concerns directly. Simple alerts and safety reminders could have helped reduce elder abuse earlier, given the straightforward nature of adding warnings inside these apps.
Meta notes it has already introduced other safety features, such as context cards and reminders about shipping scams, instant payment risks, and a WhatsApp safety center. It has also issued warnings about romance scams during Valentine’s Day. However, these were general safety notices not specifically targeted at older adults.
To further enhance protection, Meta joined the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, a nonprofit coalition linking law enforcement with companies like AARP, Amazon, Capital One, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart. This collaboration aims to create stronger defenses against fraud targeting seniors across online platforms.
We support this cooperative approach, recognizing that fighting fraud aimed at older adults requires coordination between tech companies, nonprofits, and government.
Meta’s introduction of new scam warnings on WhatsApp and Messenger marks a significant advance in safeguarding older adults from online fraud. By delivering timely alerts during risky situations and educating users about common scam tactics, the company aims to prevent lost money and emotional harm.
Squaredtech encourages users—especially older adults and their families—to take advantage of these new features and remain vigilant. With scams adapting quickly, constant awareness and tools like Meta’s warnings are critical in reducing the devastating effects of fraud in the digital age.
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