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By EZEKIEL OBi, Abuja-
WhatsApp has banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam centers between January and June 2025.
A statement by Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye, Kojo Boakye, said this action is part of WhatsApp’s strategy to disrupt criminal activity and protect users.
Nature of Scams
The scams often start on dating sites or via text messages, move to WhatsApp, and then direct victims to cryptocurrency or payment platforms.
Many involve fake investment opportunities, job offers, or demands for upfront payments with promises of high returns.
Use of AI in Scam
A recent case revealed a syndicate in Cambodia used artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) to craft convincing scam messages on WhatsApp. Victims were redirected to Telegram, manipulated into liking TikTok videos, and pressured into depositing funds into fake cryptocurrency accounts.
The operation was dismantled through a joint effort involving Meta, WhatsApp, and OpenAI.
WhatsApp introduced new in-app safety tools to protect users. A group messaging update alerts users when added to a group by someone not in their contacts.
Messages from such groups are muted until the user engages. WhatsApp is also testing warnings for messages from unknown numbers to help users make safer decisions.
Boakye urged users to stay alert and avoid responding to unknown messages, especially those demanding money, PINs, or personal info.
“We believe a safer messaging space is built on strong technology, proactive detection, and user education,” he said, reaffirming WhatsApp’s commitment to digital safety.
