WhatsApp Username Feature Could Boost Privacy, But Experts Warn of New Scam Risks
WhatsApp is preparing to introduce one of its most significant updates in years by allowing users to create unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers with everyone they chat with.
The feature is expected to give users more control over their privacy, making it easier to connect without exposing their mobile numbers. However, cybersecurity professionals say the change could also create new opportunities for online fraud if users are not careful.
As digital scams continue to rise, experts believe the new identity system will require both stronger platform security and greater user awareness.
What Is WhatsApp’s Username Feature?
Currently, WhatsApp accounts are linked directly to a phone number. With the upcoming update, users will be able to choose a unique username that others can use to contact them.
The feature will be optional, meaning users will still need a phone number to register a WhatsApp account. Once enabled, people may be able to connect using a username instead of seeing the account holder’s mobile number.
The system is expected to work similarly to usernames on platforms like Telegram, Signal, Instagram, and X, helping users maintain greater privacy during conversations.
Why Experts Are Concerned
While hiding phone numbers can improve privacy, security experts warn that usernames may also become a new target for cybercriminals.
Fraudsters often rely on impersonation and social engineering to trick victims. A username that closely resembles a trusted person or organization could make fake accounts appear more convincing.
Combined with AI-generated messages, fake images, or cloned voices, these scams could become even harder to identify.
Major Risks Users Should Know
Fake Usernames Could Lead to Impersonation
Cybercriminals may create usernames that look almost identical to banks, businesses, celebrities, or even friends and family members. Small spelling changes or extra characters can easily go unnoticed.
Users should always confirm someone’s identity before sharing sensitive information or sending money.
More Convincing Phishing Attacks
Fake usernames could make phishing messages appear more legitimate. Scammers may ask users to click malicious links, reveal one-time passwords (OTPs), or provide banking details while pretending to be trusted contacts.
Users should never share passwords, OTPs, PINs, or financial information through chat messages.
Fake Business Accounts
Fraudsters may also imitate customer support teams from banks, shopping platforms, delivery services, or payment apps.
To stay safe, users should communicate only through verified business accounts and official customer support channels.
AI-Powered Social Engineering
Artificial intelligence has made online scams more sophisticated than ever. Criminals can now generate realistic conversations, cloned voices, and convincing images within minutes.
When combined with fake usernames, these tactics could make impersonation scams even more believable.
Experts advise verifying any unexpected request for money or personal information through another trusted communication method.
Increased Anonymity
Usernames improve privacy by hiding phone numbers, but they can also make it more difficult to identify malicious users.
Security professionals recommend enabling two-step verification, reviewing privacy settings regularly, and avoiding conversations with unknown contacts.
Large-Scale Scam Campaigns
Cybercriminal groups often operate thousands of fake accounts. Usernames may allow them to expand phishing campaigns more efficiently across different regions and languages.
Users are encouraged to report suspicious accounts and educate family members—especially senior citizens and first-time smartphone users—about emerging online scams.
Privacy and Security Must Go Together
The username feature is designed to offer greater privacy, but experts believe security awareness will be equally important once it becomes available.
Simple precautions such as enabling two-step verification, verifying unknown contacts, avoiding suspicious links, and never sharing confidential information can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of online fraud.
As WhatsApp rolls out the new feature, both users and the platform will play an important role in ensuring that improved privacy does not come at the cost of digital security.
