Meta is rolling out new anti-scam features for Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp with a focus on protecting unsuspecting senior citizens from digital fraud and helping them secure their accounts. As part of its ongoing anti-scam awareness campaign, the tech giant also shared tips on how senior citizens can avoid getting scammed and stay safe online.
Starting with WhatsApp, Meta said the instant messaging app will now show a warning when users try to share their screen with an unknown person in a video call. Since scammers usually pressure targets to share the screen under some pretext, the new pop-up warning might help them protect against bad actors trying to steal sensitive information like one-time passwords and banking details.
The new feature seems to be an addition to WhatsApp’s recently introduced security feature, which helps users spot a potential scam when an unknown person adds them to a group chat.
WhatsApp will now warn you when trying to share your screen with a stranger. (Image Source: Meta)
As for Messenger, the tech giant says it is “testing more advanced scam detection in chats.” If the feature is enabled and someone sends you a potentially scammy message, the app will warn the user and offer an option to share the recent messages with an AI for review.
If the system detects any potential scam, Messenger will suggest actions that help you block or report the account. This feature is enabled by default, but can be disabled by turning off the “Scam detection” option under “Privacy & safety settings.” The company is also asking users to head over to the Security Checkup section on Facebook and Instagram and use the Privacy Checkup guides to secure their account.
Meta has also started rolling out passkey support for Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, bringing fingerprint or facial recognition tech to these apps. In its fight against scams, the tech giant has collaborated with numerous external partners and has even launched a “Scams Se Bacho” campaign in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications.
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