WhatsApp users on Android and iOS can now see a warning even before they open a chat with a stranger. It shows the country where the phone number is registered, and if you have any groups in common. It's a small pause, but it's exactly what scammers don't want you to have.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Trust warning before starting a new chat |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | The latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS are compatible update. |
| Availability info: | WhatsApp is rolling out this feature to users on iOS and Android. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp protects users from a common device-linking scam! |
Device-linking scams are a common trick used against WhatsApp users
WhatsApp has a built-in warning system against device-linking scams. The scam tricks people into entering a code on their own phone. They believe it's for something else, but it actually links a scammer's device to their account. WhatsApp checks these requests to show a warning if something looks suspicious before the device actually gets linked. This means that the feature kicks in once a scam is already in motion.
WhatsApp is adding a new security warning earlier in the process
WhatsApp also introduced a new warning that works even before users start a conversation. It appears the moment someone tries to start a chat with a phone number they've never messaged before. Unlike the device-linking warning, this one has nothing to do with linking the account to another device. It simply checks who you're about to talk to before you open the chat. Back in August 2025, Meta said it was exploring new protections against scams like this, and it is finally here.
Why starting a chat with a stranger can be risky
Scammers rely on people who reach out first, because it feels like the user is the one taking action. For example, a message about a "new number" doesn't usually raise any red flags. There is no immediate reason to be suspicious, since nothing has technically been sent to the user yet. This is the moment scammers are counting on, when nothing has happened yet that would make someone stop and think.
WhatsApp's solution: a security warning before the user opens the conversation
WhatsApp now checks the phone number before someone tries to open a chat with it. If WhatsApp doesn't see signs that the phone number entered by the user is already trusted, it shows a screen that asks them to confirm whether they actually trust this person. The screen shows where the phone number is registered, whether it's saved as a contact, and if there are any groups in common. In the same screen, the user can choose Continue to chat or Cancel chat. The recipient won't receive any notification about what users choose.
How the security warning can actually help users
With this feature, WhatsApp doesn't wait until the user opens the chat. Instead, the app gets ahead of it before anything happens. If you see a phone number registered in a different country, that's often enough to make you pause. Scammers rely on people who act fast, before they have time to think. As a result, a pause like this works directly against them.
What to do if you see this warning yourself
If WhatsApp shows this warning, you should take a moment to actually read the details instead of starting the chat. A different country code is already a strong reason to stop and verify. If you know the person, the safest move is to contact them another way, like calling their old phone number. Additionally, you can ask a mutual friend before continuing. If anything feels off, just cancel the chat. It costs nothing, while continuing could end up costing a lot more.
This warning won't catch every scam
This isn't a foolproof system. If a scammer is already saved as a contact for some reason, this warning may not appear at all. In addition, not every unfamiliar number is a scam either. Someone you know might have simply switched to a new phone number for a completely normal reason. This is one more layer of protection, but it's not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong. The rest is still up to you.
WhatsApp's trust warning is rolling out on iOS and Android
The warning that appears before opening a chat with a stranger is already rolling out on both iOS and Android. WhatsApp hasn't detailed exactly what triggers it, but a number registered in a different country is likely one of the things it checks for. If you're starting a chat with someone you actually know who simply changed their phone number, you can safely continue once you've confirmed it's really them. As always, a quick call is the easiest way to be sure before you can continue to chat.
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