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WhatsApp is developing a new safety feature, Scam Alert, which automatically detects potentially fraudulent messages from unknown contacts. WABetaInfo identified the feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.26.22.2) available on the Google Play Store. When enabled, Scam Alert displays a warning banner in the chat, allowing users to block and report the sender or continue the conversation if they trust it.

Online scams on messaging apps have increased worldwide. With over 3 billion users, WhatsApp is a primary target for scammers. Scam Alert is designed to detect suspicious messages before users interact with them.

The key design decision behind Scam Alert is that it operates entirely on the user’s device. According to the WABetaInfo, WhatsApp does not upload message content to Meta’s servers for analysis. The detection algorithm processes messages locally, ensuring full compatibility with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. No third party, including Meta, can access the scanned content.

Scam Alert uses on-device processing. The company says this is similar to its voice message transcription feature, where audio is processed on the user’s device. WhatsApp developed these speech and text-analysis models in-house rather than relying on third-party AI providers, keeping the technology proprietary and privacy-preserving. Additionally, the feature operates silently. The sender cannot determine whether Scam Alert has been triggered on the recipient’s device, helping prevent bad actors from adapting their tactics.

How Scam Alert works

• When a message is received from an unknown contact, Scam Alert’s on-device model analyzes the content in real time.
• If the message displays suspicious patterns, a warning banner appears in the chat stating: “This may be a scam.”
• The user is presented with two choices: Block & Report the contact or Trust the chat and continue.
• All analysis logs are stored exclusively on the device, are never shared with WhatsApp, and can be accessed through the app settings.

Users Remain in Full Control, no Automatic Blocking or Chat Restrictions

WhatsApp has designed Scam Alert to inform rather than restrict. The feature does not automatically block a sender or delete messages when it flags suspicious content. Instead, it provides users with a warning and allows them to decide how to proceed.

The warning will clearly state that the flagged message is from someone outside the user’s contacts, providing additional context. Users who receive a scam warning but choose to proceed can continue the conversation without disrupting the other party.

WhatsApp is adding a transparency feature: a local activity log that records each time Scam Alert is activated. These logs are generated and stored solely on the user’s device and are never shared with WhatsApp or Meta. Users can review the log in the app’s settings at any time. If no suspicious messages are detected during a selected period, the report will state this clearly.

Scam Alert is optional and off by default, must be enabled manually: The feature will not be enabled by default. Users who want Scam Alert protection must manually activate it in WhatsApp’s settings. Once enabled, it will operate automatically in the background without requiring any further action.

Feature Still in Development: As of June 2, 2026, Scam Alert is not yet available to beta testers. However, its presence in the Android beta build’s source code confirms that development is ongoing.

WhatsApp has not provided a timeline for either the beta or stable release. The feature is expected to launch on Android first, while availability on iOS remains unconfirmed.

Also read:

• WhatsApp rolls out usernames: What changes, what stays the same
• Class Action Lawsuit Alleges WhatsApp Can Access Encrypted Chats, Breaches Users’ Privacy
• WhatsApp Announces Parental Controls for Pre-Teen Accounts, But DPDP Consent Questions Remain