WhatsApp comes with a new security feature that serves as an early warning before users start a conversation with an unknown number.
When a user tries to open a conversation with a new number on WhatsApp, the application will not continue to open the conversation. Instead, it will display basic information about the number first, such as the country of origin of the number (via the country code), whether the number has been saved as a contact and if there is a WhatsApp group with the same number. After the information is displayed, the user is given the option to continue the conversation or cancel it.
In other words, this feature acts as an additional layer of protection. WhatsApp wants to give users time to think before communicating with a foreign number. This step can also help reduce the risk of being deceived by scammers because fraud usually occurs when users act too carelessly without having time to evaluate.
This warning function has begun to be provided gradually to users on iOS and Android through updates to the new version of the application.
