WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out its long-awaited username feature, allowing users to connect without revealing their phone numbers. While the update is aimed at strengthening privacy, it has also triggered concerns that it could create new opportunities for scammers and impersonators.

Privacy Upgrade Raises Security Questions

The upcoming feature has drawn attention from industry leaders, including KnotDating CEO Jasveer Singh, who believes the privacy-focused change may come with unintended risks.

Reacting to the announcement, Singh said, "WhatsApp just launched usernames. My first thought wasn't privacy - it was scams."

He compared the move to Telegram, where people can communicate using usernames instead of phone numbers. According to him, that system has often been exploited by scammers and spammers, making it easier for fake accounts to approach unsuspecting users.

WhatsApp just launched usernames. My first thought wasn’t privacy - it was scams.

The biggest reason I never used Telegram was because anyone could contact you without knowing your phone number. It became a paradise for scammers.

Phone numbers created accountability. You knew…

— Jasveer Singh (@jasveer10) June 30, 2026

CEO Warns of Potential Rise in Fake Identities

Singh argued that while hiding phone numbers can improve user privacy, it may also reduce accountability if not backed by robust security measures. He suggested that scammers could misuse usernames to create false identities and deceive users.

He further said, "I hope WhatsApp has built much stronger anti-spam systems, otherwise this could become their biggest headache."

Social Media Users Voice Similar Concerns

The issue has also sparked discussions on social media platform X, where several users have expressed worries that the username feature could increase the risk of impersonation, fraud and phishing attempts if safeguards are not strong enough.

In a country such as India, this could be a disaster, if the right anti-abuse systems are not set up by WhatsApp.

Imagine receiving a message from warikoo / awarikoo / ankurwarikooo / ankur_warikoo / a_warikoo / ankurwarikooofficial etc etc - soliciting money.

1. Most people… https://t.co/AaiH7F1szN

— Ankur Warikoo (@warikoo) June 30, 2026

Many believe the ability to communicate without sharing phone numbers may make it easier for malicious actors to target users under fake identities.

WhatsApp Begins Username Reservation

Alongside the announcement, WhatsApp confirmed that users can begin reserving their preferred usernames this week before the feature is rolled out more broadly later this year.

your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. thats why were introducing usernames for WhatsApp.

starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure…

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) June 29, 2026

To reserve a username, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version and navigate to Settings > Account > Username. The company said the reservation process takes only a few seconds, allowing users to secure their preferred identity ahead of the full launch.