August 7, 2025, 1:53 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
WhatsApp has deleted approximately 6.8 million accounts worldwide, citing connections to organized fraud networks. The messaging service is responding to a growing number of international fraud attempts.
WhatsApp Deleted Accounts for User Safety
According to Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, many of the deleted accounts belong to professionally operated fraud centers using organized crime methods. In numerous cases, forced labor is involved. The perpetrators use digital platforms for complex deception strategies to gain trust—often aiming to persuade people to invest or transfer money.
The perpetrators’ approach is usually the same: An innocuous initial contact, such as via SMS or any app, leads to a redirection to private messaging services, social networks, or payment platforms. The goal is to spread activities across as many platforms as possible to avoid detection.
Crypto Fraud and Dubious Schemes
The fraud schemes range from alleged investment opportunities in cryptocurrencies to pyramid schemes like renting e-scooters or buying fake likes. A common warning sign, as Meta explicitly points out, is that victims are initially asked to transfer money to achieve high returns later. In a specific case uncovered by Meta and OpenAI, fraudsters even used AI-generated messages through ChatGPT to build trust.
The entry point was a WhatsApp message with a link, followed by a task on Telegram—such as liking videos on TikTok. Only after showing apparent gains did the perpetrators demand a deposit into a crypto account.
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These Are the New Security Features on WhatsApp
To better protect users from such scams, WhatsApp is introducing new features. In the future, users will receive a security overview when added to a group by an unknown person. This overview provides information about the group and offers tips for safe use. Users can decide whether to leave the group immediately or first view the chat. In both cases, notifications remain muted initially.
WhatsApp is also testing new warning notices for individual chats with unknown numbers. These are intended to make users aware before communicating with people not saved in their contacts.
Recommendations for Detecting Fraud
Together with IT security expert Rachel Tobac, WhatsApp provides behavioral tips for identifying potential fraud attempts. Users should pause at suspicious messages, critically question them, and independently verify the information. Especially with messages from supposed friends or family members, it is recommended to verify the sender’s authenticity through alternative communication channels.