Tech Expert Warns: WhatsApp's 'Username' Feature Could Open Door to New Wave of Fraud

2026-07-04T16:38:48.209Z

Tech expert Faisal Al-Saif warned that WhatsApp's new 'username' feature, despite its role in enhancing privacy and facilitating communication without sharing phone numbers, could open the door to a new wave of identity theft and online fraud. He called for activating the security code and not trusting famous names without verification.

Tech expert Faisal Al-Saif described WhatsApp's newly launched 'Username' feature as a positive step that enhances ease of communication and improves privacy, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. However, he also warned that it could open the door to a new wave of identity theft and online scams if users are not sufficiently aware.

During his interview on the program 'MBC in a Week,' Al-Saif explained that the feature came late, noting that usernames have been a standard on various social media platforms for years, and that privacy has become a real necessity, not a luxury.

He stressed that the feature's launch is not only aimed at enhancing privacy but also falls within WhatsApp's trend to expand communication methods and strengthen its presence within Meta's app ecosystem, noting that its impact goes beyond what many imagine.

Priority in name reservation for users of Meta platforms

Al-Saif revealed that users with pre-existing usernames on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads will have priority in obtaining the same name on WhatsApp when the feature becomes available for their accounts, with the option to choose a different name if desired.

He noted that he personally preferred to use a different identifier from his other accounts, considering WhatsApp a more private space. He also activated an additional layer of protection through a PIN code, so that no one can add him via username without entering this code, emphasizing that communication via username does not give the other party access to the phone number.

Warning of an imminent wave of fraud

Al-Saif warned against exploiting the feature for impersonation, predicting a wave of online scams as the feature gradually spreads among users worldwide. He explained that some scammers may rush to register the names of celebrities and influencers, using their photos and personal data, then contact others claiming to be those account owners, either to trick them into believing they have won competitions, extract personal information, or carry out fraud operations.

He pointed out that the danger lies in the fact that users have grown accustomed to treating WhatsApp as a trusted platform based on phone numbers, which may make many less cautious when receiving messages via usernames.

Al-Saif called on users not to trust any account simply because it carries a known name, to verify the identity of the other party, and to take advantage of the security measures provided by the platform, foremost of which is activating the security code (PIN). He stressed that awareness of the safe use of the feature will be a key factor in mitigating expected fraud operations.

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