WhatsApp has introduced a new security feature designed to protect users from scams and unauthorised access by alerting them when someone attempts to link their account to an unfamiliar device.
The messaging platform said the new linked device alerts will notify users if their WhatsApp account is being connected to a device they do not recognise, helping them identify potential fraud attempts before access is granted.
The feature comes as account takeover scams continue to rise, with cybercriminals increasingly using social engineering tactics to trick users into approving device connections or sharing verification codes.
Under the new system, users will receive an alert when an attempt is made to link their WhatsApp account to a new device. The notification will warn that the activity could be a scam and prompt users to review the request.
WhatsApp advised users who are not actively trying to use the service on a new device to reject the request by selecting “Don’t link.”
The company also warned that users should pay close attention to the location information shown in the alert. If the location does not match where they are or where they expect the login attempt to originate, users are encouraged to deny the connection.
The update is part of WhatsApp’s broader effort to strengthen account security and reduce the impact of scams targeting millions of users worldwide.
The platform already offers security measures such as two-step verification and end-to-end encryption, but experts say attackers often target users directly through fake messages, impersonation and other methods rather than breaking the technology itself.
Security specialists have repeatedly advised users not to share WhatsApp verification codes, approve unknown device links or respond to suspicious requests claiming to be from friends, companies or support teams.
WhatsApp aims to give users an additional layer of protection by making suspicious account access attempts easier to spot and stop.
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