Ghanaian-Nigerian actress Nadia Buari has raised alarms over Meta’s new WhatsApp username feature, warning fans of the growing threat of online identity theft and impersonation. She revealed that she attempted to claim a WhatsApp username using variations of her name but found that every single option had already been taken. The actress expressed frustration and concern on Instagram, highlighting how quickly impersonators are capitalizing on the new digital update to deceive users. Her warning comes as Meta continues rolling out the username feature globally, prompting widespread concern among celebrities and everyday users alike.
In a heartfelt post, Nadia shared her experience, stating, “Why are people like this???… I was trying to create this WhatsApp username thing, only to realise every single variation of my name is already gone. Every. Single. One. Nadia Buari…Taken. Nadia S Buari…Taken. NSB….Taken. Even theNadiaBuari—like, seriously?! It’s exhausting and honestly kind of scary.” Her words resonated with many followers who echoed similar frustrations in the comments section. Fans like @chike.daniels and @mofeduncan admitted they faced the same issue, while others, including @prisymario_, praised her for raising awareness about online scams.
Nadia emphasized that fraudsters are now more active than ever, exploiting new platform features to mislead unsuspecting individuals. She urged her followers to remain vigilant, saying, “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.” Her message underscores the importance of digital safety in an age where personal information can be easily misused.
The introduction of WhatsApp usernames allows users to create unique identifiers separate from their phone numbers, which Meta claims enhances privacy and security. However, critics argue that without proper safeguards, the feature may become a tool for scammers. Celebrities like Nadia Buari are particularly vulnerable due to their public profiles, making them prime targets for impersonation. As the feature expands, experts recommend users secure their usernames promptly and verify the authenticity of any messages or contacts claiming to be them.
Nadia’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for Nigerians and Africans across the diaspora, who increasingly rely on WhatsApp for personal and professional communication. Her call for caution is timely, as digital fraud continues to rise in Nigeria and across West Africa. With more people adopting new tech features, awareness and proactive measures will be key to protecting personal identities online. The future of digital communication depends on how users respond to these evolving threats.
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