Google’s suite of scam detection features is already setting a high bar for mobile security, but the implementation has one main limitation. It’s a system-level feature that’s limited to Google’s own communication apps, like Google Messages and Phone by Google.
Apps like WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption, and that’s precisely why the feature can not extend to other apps. Fortunately, though, it looks like WhatsApp is working on a ‘Scam Detection’ solution by itself.
WhatsApp’s implementation is called ‘Scam Alert,’ and it aims to alert users when a message from an unknown contact looks like a potential scam. The development was first highlighted by the folks over at WABetaInfo.
The tool analyzes messages completely on-device, ensuring that no personal conversation is sent out to external servers.
“Your messages always stay private and end-to-end encrypted,” suggests the feature’s description box, adding that “no one who messages you can see you’re using Scam Alert.”
If and when WhatsApp marks a message as a potential scam, it will give you the option to block the sender or ‘Trust’ them and continue the conversation. This should be useful in situations where WhatsApp flags a conversation that you know isn’t fraudulent.
Essentially, WhatsApp will not block conversations for you. Instead, it will give you a chance to make your own informed decision.
It’s worth noting that Scam Alert will be disabled by default. Users will have to manually enable the feature from the app’s settings.
The feature is still in development and was manually enabled in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.22.2. It isn’t clear if and when the feature will be available to users widely.
