Preventing online frauds: Truecaller to extend caller ID services to WhatsApp

Team Udayavani, May 10, 2023, 10:18 AM IST

To combat the surging incidence of online fraud and spam calls in India, Truecaller, the caller identification and spam-blocking application, is introducing its caller identification service to WhatsApp and other messaging applications. This move comes as scammers exploit the platform more frequently to defraud unsuspecting victims and spread malware to smartphones.

Truecaller’s caller ID service, highly regarded for its efficacy in identifying incoming calls, was not available on WhatsApp until now. With a user base of over 500 million monthly active users in India alone, scammers have found it alarmingly easy to target individuals on the platform and carry out their illicit activities.

Acknowledging the pressing need to address this growing threat, Truecaller has partnered with Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, to extend its services to the popular messaging app. This strategic collaboration aims to empower users to recognize and block spam messages, bolstering their defense against WhatsApp scams.

According to media reports, Truecaller’s CEO, Alain Mamedi, has confirmed that the feature is currently undergoing beta testing and is slated for a global release later this month. This development is expected to be a significant breakthrough in the battle against WhatsApp scams, as users will be able to leverage Truecaller’s expertise in identifying and avoiding potential spam calls.

Spam calls have plagued India for years, with a 2021 report from Truecaller highlighting the country as one of the worst affected. On average, Indian users receive an astonishing 17 spam calls each month, necessitating effective solutions to mitigate this issue. In response, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended the implementation of artificial intelligence-based solutions by telecom operators to filter telemarketing calls on their networks.

By incorporating Truecaller’s services into WhatsApp, users will have an additional layer of protection against scammers, enabling them to make informed decisions when interacting with unknown numbers or suspicious messages.