Social media giant Meta is stepping up its efforts to protect older users on its messaging platforms, launching new alert features in WhatsApp and Messenger aimed at flagging potential scams before they can cause harm. With a rising tide of online deception targeting seniors — from fake “customer support” pages to screen-sharing traps — this new safety feature couldn’t be more timely or necessary. These proactive warnings are just the beginning of a broader push by the company to keep its most vulnerable users safe — but will they be enough to outsmart the seasoned fraudsters in this digital game of cat and mouse?
New Meta update warns users before scammers can strike
On Tuesday, Meta unveiled new scam detection tools for WhatsApp and Messenger — part of its wider effort to curb the growing wave of digital scams preying on seniors. The latest update introduces proactive alerts and AI-powered reviews designed to stop scammers before they strike.
On WhatsApp, users will now see a pop-up warning whenever they attempt to share their screen during a video call with an unfamiliar contact. According to Meta, this move targets a common tactic used by fraudsters who convince victims to reveal sensitive details such as banking information or security codes.
Messenger, meanwhile, is getting smarter at spotting deception. The platform is experimenting with new detection systems that analyze messages for suspicious behavior. When a potential scam is identified, users are alerted with a cautionary message: “Be careful — you could be at risk of losing money.” The warning also lists familiar scam types, including fake job offers, easy-money schemes, and other common tricks. From there, users can quickly block or report the account in question.
The alarming rise of digital fraud
The rollout of Meta’s new safety feature comes amid a surge in online scams that continue to exploit vulnerable users worldwide. The company revealed that in the first half of 2025 alone, it detected and disrupted roughly 8 million accounts involved in fraudulent activities. Many of these were linked to organized scam operations based in regions such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. Meta also took down more than 21,000 Facebook Pages and accounts masquerading as customer support centers — a deceptive tactic aimed at tricking users into surrendering personal information. The problem has become so widespread that many users now instinctively ignore messages claiming to be from “customer support.”
Beyond social media, sophisticated scam networks continue to prey on older adults through a range of digital platforms — including messaging apps, dating sites, and cryptocurrency channels — exploiting both trust and technology to their advantage.
These scammers typically rely on social engineering tactics or fabricated romantic connections to manipulate victims who may be less tech-savvy, lonely, or even experiencing early signs of dementia. By preying on emotional vulnerability, scammers can slowly drain seniors of their savings — one message, one false promise at a time.
The impact of these schemes extends far beyond the immediate victims. Families often find themselves entangled in the aftermath, trying to help loved ones who may feel too embarrassed to admit they’ve been deceived — or, worse, still believe the scam is genuine.
A delayed response, but a necessary one
TechCrunch notes that Meta’s latest move, while commendable, is arguably years behind schedule. Critics argue the company should have implemented stronger safeguards much earlier, especially since integrating warning systems into user experiences is a relatively simple step. Even without advanced AI to review suspicious activity, basic alerts and educational prompts could have helped prevent countless cases of elder fraud in the past.
In response, Meta emphasized that it has previously introduced a number of protective measures, including context cards, reminders, and scam warnings related to shipping and instant payments, along with a dedicated WhatsApp Safety Center. The company has also issued seasonal alerts — such as Valentine’s Day notices warning users about romance scams — though these efforts were not specifically designed for older audiences.
Still, the tech giant now seems more determined than ever to address the issue head-on. Meta recently joined the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, a new nonprofit initiative that unites law enforcement with major corporations — including AARP, Amazon, Capital One, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart — in a shared mission to combat scams targeting seniors. The move signals a stronger, more collaborative approach to digital safety for one of the most vulnerable groups online.
Sources: TechCrunch, Meta