New Security Feature to Protect Users from Rising ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams and Online Fraud
Upcoming WhatsApp Updates: UPI Lite Payments, Meta AI Enhancements, and More
WhatsApp Introduces a New Feature to Prevent ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
WhatsApp is developing a new security feature to protect users from Digital Arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials and force victims to stay on camera until they transfer money. Banks, telecom companies, and government agencies have warned that Digital Arrest is a scam, and WhatsApp is now taking steps to combat it.
The new feature, ‘Turn Off Your Video,’ will allow users to receive video calls without turning on their cameras. If the camera is already off, users will see an ‘Accept Without Video’ option when answering a call. They can later enable video if needed. This prevents scammers from seeing the user, reducing the chances of intimidation and fraud.
In Digital Arrest scams, fraudsters manipulate victims through video calls, pretending to be officials and extorting money. With WhatsApp’s new feature, scammers will no longer be able to see the user, making it harder to threaten them. Without video, fraudsters lose control over the victim, significantly lowering the risk of extortion.
Until now, WhatsApp only allowed users to turn off their cameras after answering a video call. However, platforms like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams already offer an option to accept calls without enabling the camera. WhatsApp is now implementing this functionality to enhance user security.
Additionally, WhatsApp is working on UPI Lite Payments, which will allow users to make transactions without entering a PIN. The platform is also enhancing Meta AI to provide automatic suggestions for a smoother user experience. These updates aim to improve security, privacy, and convenience for all WhatsApp users.
