Holiday Ayo - Meta is introducing a new fraud detection feature in its WhatsApp and Messenger instant messaging apps in an effort to combat online scams targeting the elderly.

Meta said WhatsApp will now display a warning when users screen share with an unknown person during a video call.

One common online scam is posing as a customer service representative for a bank, airline, courier service, or other company.

Fraudsters typically contact their targets via WhatsApp, then switch to a video call and ask them to share their screen so they can steal sensitive information.

In the warning, Meta will urge users to only screen share with people they trust, as others can see all the information on the screen, including account numbers, verification codes, usernames, and more.

"On WhatsApp, we're launching a warning when you try to share your screen with an unknown contact during a video call," Meta said in its announcement on Wednesday (October 22).

"We know that scammers may pressure targets to share their screens to trick them into providing sensitive information, including bank account details or verification codes. With this new feature, we're giving users greater context to recognize and avoid scams," he continued.

Meta is also piloting a fraud detection tool in its mobile Messenger app. When a user receives a message that appears to be a fraudulent attempt, the Messenger app will display a warning saying the message is suspicious, and users can forward it to Meta for AI review.

If Meta AI detects a potential scam, the app will display a list of common scam signs, such as job offers demanding monetary rewards, job offers promising quick pay, and work-from-home offers for jobs that aren't possible to do remotely.

Meta will also remind users not to send money or gift cards, which are common scam tactics used by scammers to steal money from their victims.

At the end of the warning, users will be given the option to report and block the account that sent the suspicious message.

Meta did not say when the warning feature will be rolled out widely. For now, they urge older users who may be less tech-savvy to always be cautious when receiving messages or calls from unknown numbers, ask trusted people, and only use official customer service channels.