As Meta prepares to introduce usernames to WhatsApp, many users are understandably worried about the potential for scams and impersonation. The feature, which will eventually allow people to connect without sharing their private phone numbers, is currently in a pre-launch phase where users can reserve their handles. To address security anxieties, Meta has confirmed that it is implementing several protective measures, including providing recipients with helpful context—such as whether the sender is a new contact, a shared group member, or located in a different country—whenever they receive a first-time message via a username.

Beyond these informational prompts, the company is taking proactive steps to prevent bad actors from exploiting high-profile identities. Meta is restricting the registration of usernames associated with government officials, celebrities, and verified brands to ensure they reach their rightful owners, while also blocking "lookalike" handles that could be used for phishing. Furthermore, the platform is rolling out structural safeguards, such as limiting the number of new messages an account can send and deploying automated systems to detect abuse patterns. While security experts remain cautious about the risks of sophisticated impersonation, these multi-layered defenses aim to balance the convenience of username-based connectivity with robust user protection.