WhatsApp to issue warnings for messages from unknown numbers; here is how the new scam alert feature will work..

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new feature to protect users from online scams. Meta had previously announced the 'Scam Alert' feature, and it has now entered the testing phase for select Android users. This suggests that the feature could be rolled out to a wider user base in the future.
The Scam Alert feature aims to identify potential scam messages originating from unknown numbers. Notably, WhatsApp will utilize a machine learning model directly on the device to achieve this.

**Beta Users Receiving Scam Alert**

According to a report by WABetaInfo, select users on the Android beta version 2.26.34.1 are receiving the Scam Alert feature. This feature scans messages from unknown contacts to detect any signs of a potential scam.

If the system identifies a message as suspicious, a warning will be displayed to the user within the chat itself. The user will then have the option to block the sender, report them, or continue the conversation.

This feature will not be enabled by default; users can turn it on manually based on their needs. The Scam Alert option can be found by navigating to WhatsApp Settings > Account.

**Machine Learning Model Operates Locally on the Phone**
According to Meta, the machine learning model for Scam Alerts will be downloaded onto the user's device. Operating locally on the device, the model will attempt to identify scam patterns in messages received from unknown senders.

If a message appears to be a potential scam, the warning will be visible only to the user; the sender will not be notified.

If WhatsApp mistakenly flags a legitimate chat as a scam, the user can mark it as 'Trusted.' Once marked as trusted, the chat will not be flagged by the Scam Alert feature again.

**Messages Will Not Be Automatically Sent to WhatsApp**
Privacy is also a key consideration for this feature. Meta states that during the 'Scam Alert' process, the content of messages is not automatically reported to WhatsApp, Meta, or any third party.

According to WhatsApp, the model has been trained based on patterns observed in scam conversations. Users can choose to share their last five messages with WhatsApp to help improve the feature.

Currently, the scam alert feature is being tested with Android beta users. If the testing proves successful, a global rollout could follow. This feature could serve as an extra layer of security for users, specifically in identifying suspicious messages from unknown numbers.

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