WhatsApp anti-scam protections now warn on fraudulent device-linking requests
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WhatsApp rolled out anti-scam protections that warn users when device-linking requests look suspicious, adding a new user-facing control against fraudulent account-linking attempts. The update matters because it gives people an earlier signal before approving a potentially abusive link request.
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Timeline
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26.03.2026 16:06 2 articles · 2mo ago
WhatsApp adds warnings for fraudulent device-linking requests
Mitigation Patch UpdateWhatsApp introduced anti-scam protections that warn users when behavioral signals suggest an incoming device-linking request may be fraudulent, giving account holders an earlier prompt to reconsider suspicious linking attempts. The rollout followed a Dutch intelligence warning that Russian state-backed hackers had been targeting Dutch government employees in phishing attacks aimed at their Signal and WhatsApp accounts.
Show sources
- WhatsApp rolls out more AI features, iOS multi-account support — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 26.03.2026 16:06
- WhatsApp rolls out more AI features, iOS multi-account support — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 26.03.2026 16:06