WhatsApp tests new safety prompt before you chat with strangers

WhatsApp is testing a new safety feature that reminds users on Android and iOS when they're about to start a conversation with someone they don't know, according to recent reports.

Key takeaways

• WhatsApp is testing a new prompt that reminds users they're about to chat with an unknown contact.
• The feature encourages caution ahead of a conversation, helping users make a more informed decision before engaging.
• Bitdefender research shows that around 60% of risky WhatsApp conversations start from business accounts, highlighting how scammers increasingly rely on trust rather than anonymity.
• Layered protection matters, because many scams continue after the initial contact or come from accounts that already appear trustworthy.

The feature, still in the rollout phase, appears before users message an unknown number. It offers additional context, including the contact's country code and whether they are in any of the same groups. Rather than trying to determine whether a message is malicious, the prompt simply encourages users to pause before engaging with a stranger.

It's a subtle change, but one that reflects a growing reality: every new contact on WhatsApp is a decision of trust.

The issue isn't talking to strangers. It's trusting the wrong one.

According to recent reports, WhatsApp's new feature addresses the very first stage of a conversation: deciding whether to engage with someone you've never spoken to before.

That's important because scammers often rely on curiosity, urgency, or seemingly legitimate opportunities to get victims to respond.

But once a conversation begins, attackers rarely stay "strangers" for long.

Bitdefender's Global Scam Intelligence Report 2026 found that today's scams increasingly rely on building trust. Criminals impersonate businesses, pose as recruiters or customer support representatives, or patiently develop relationships before asking victims to click a malicious link, share sensitive information, or transfer money.

Our telemetry also found that roughly 60% of risky WhatsApp conversations globally originated from business accounts. Company names, logos, catalogs, and even verification badges can make fraudulent conversations look legitimate, prompting users to lower their guard.

One campaign highlighted in our report shows just how quickly a conversation can move beyond the "unknown contact" stage.

The WhatsApp "Vote for me" scam begins with what appears to be a harmless request to vote for a child in an online competition. Victims are directed to a convincing website and asked to enter a verification code. Instead of confirming a vote, that code allows attackers to register the victim's WhatsApp account on another device.

It's a reminder that some of the most successful scams don't come from unknown numbers at all. They come from people, businesses, or accounts that appear legitimate.

Why layered protection still matters

WhatsApp's upcoming feature is a welcome addition because it encourages users to stop and think before engaging with unfamiliar contacts. Creating that moment of hesitation can prevent impulsive decisions and reduce the chances of responding to unsolicited messages.

However, scammers adapt quickly. They establish trust, impersonate legitimate organizations, compromise existing accounts, and convince victims to click malicious links after a conversation is already underway.

That's why security shouldn't stop once you decide to reply.

Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android or iOS adds another layer of protection by helping detect phishing links, blocking malicious websites before they load, and identifying scam attempts delivered through messaging apps. Its scam protection technologies help users stay protected throughout the conversation, whether they're chatting with a new contact, a convincing business profile, or even someone whose account has been compromised.

As messaging scams continue to evolve, combining platform features that encourage safer decisions with dedicated mobile security offers users a stronger defense against increasingly sophisticated scams.