When WhatsApp announced that users could soon communicate using usernames instead of phone numbers, many welcomed the feature as a major privacy improvement.
However, almost immediately, concerns emerged that fraudsters, impersonators and disinformation actors could exploit the system to create fake identities, deceive users and spread misinformation.
Several public figures have already complained that usernames resembling their identities have been reserved by unknown individuals even before the feature’s wider rollout, raising questions about how Meta intends to prevent impersonation.
DUBAWA examines the misinformation risks associated with WhatsApp’s new username feature, what experts say, and the safeguards introduced by the platform.
Impersonation and misinformation fear
This announcement has raised concerns among citizens worldwide about possible impersonation and fraud. For instance, countries like India have already asked WhatsApp to pause the rollout of the new feature, citing concerns that it could increase online fraud and phishing scams.
Authorities in India demanded that WhatsApp justify why it should not face legal action under the country’s laws “for launching a feature that may increase cybercrimes.”
There are also allegations in Nigeria’s online space that the new feature, if fully implemented, could create a gap that criminal elements could exploit to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
One such instance is a post by Abubakar Bello known as Abisfulani, a popular Hausa social media influencer. Tweeting on X, Abisfulani told followers that someone had allegedly taken his preferred WhatsApp username, raising fears that scammers could exploit the feature to impersonate public figures and deceive users.
Abisfulani therefore warned that fraudsters could use such accounts to request money, circulate false information or impersonate him in conversations with unsuspecting users.
“Do not click any links or respond to messages from accounts using my username,” he cautioned.
In another instance, Nadia Buari, a Ghanaian actress, made a post on Instagram about how every variation of her name has been taken up by people as usernames on WhatsApp even though the official rollout of the feature has yet to start.
Describing her experience as exhausting, she wrote: “At this point, it’s clear fraudsters and imposters are lurking everywhere, ready to snatch up anything just to mislead people. Please, be careful out there and stay vigilant—because if they’re this quick with usernames, imagine what else they’re up to.”
Experts weigh in
Experts say the biggest concern is not merely fraud but the possibility that fake usernames could be used to impersonate journalists, public officials, celebrities, businesses and fact-checking organisations.
Abdullah Tijani, Managing Partner at PolicIQ, an Abuja-based artificial intelligence and technology governance company, said cybercriminals could exploit the new username feature if adequate identity verification measures are not put in place.
“We’ve seen instances on platforms like X where people deliberately create usernames using another person’s identity to defraud, mislead, or impersonate them. The new WhatsApp feature is no different,” he said.
Despite the risks, Abdullah said the feature offers significant privacy benefits because users no longer need to disclose their phone numbers to strangers before communicating.
Similar tactics have been observed on platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram, where fake accounts often imitate public figures to solicit money, spread political propaganda or circulate false information.
Founder at Kano-based AI-powered EdTech startup Flowdiary, Muhammad Auwal, noted that misinformation and impersonation scams became more common after platforms like X introduced paid verification systems, which made it easier for fake accounts to appear legitimate.
Muhammad recommended that users always confirm public figures’ official accounts through verified websites or trusted social media pages.
He also warned users to avoid sharing sensitive information, such as account numbers, verification codes, passwords, or PINs, with anyone on WhatsApp claiming to represent a company, influencer, or institution.
WhatsApp explains measures against scams
WhatsApp also addressed complaints from users unable to reserve certain usernames.
The platform, while responding to frequent user questions, said that some usernames may already be tied to existing Instagram or Facebook accounts and are therefore reserved for their legitimate owners.
“If you want the same username as your Instagram or Facebook account, you’ll have to link them.”
WhatsApp added that it deliberately reserved well-known names and common variations linked to celebrities, public figures, government entities, and Meta-verified accounts to reduce impersonation and scams.
It also confirmed that it introduced an additional security layer called a “username key,” which users can enable to ensure that someone must know both their username and secret key before initiating contact.