WhatsApp will warn users about potential scams during video calls

WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature that warns users when they attempt to share their screen during a video call with an unknown contact.

The update targets a growing wave of scams in which fraudsters impersonate customer support agents to steal banking credentials or one-time verification codes. Meta says the same feature will also be introduced in Facebook Messenger.

Scammers typically create fake profiles posing as representatives of banks, airlines, or online retailers. They monitor public comments on official brand pages, then contact users directly under the guise of “technical support.” Once in conversation, they often ask the victim to share their screen to “resolve an issue,” gaining access to login details, personal information, and on-screen verification codes in the process.

With the new update, WhatsApp will display a warning when users try to enable screen sharing during a call with someone who isn’t a known contact. In Messenger, the system will go a step further, using AI to detect potential scam behavior, explain how the scheme works, and suggest safety actions such as blocking or reporting the account.

Meta reminds users that legitimate support teams never ask for screen sharing or personal data in chats. The company advises against following suspicious links or posting complaints on public forums, recommending that users contact companies directly through official websites or verified hotlines instead.