Spam calls and messages are increasingly targeting WhatsApp users. Many people have reported receiving frequent calls and messages from unknown international numbers offering fake job opportunities or part-time work. These unsolicited contacts often impersonate well-known brands or promise rewards in order to lure victims into scams.
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These scams are on the rise as WhatsApp has become a prime platform for fraudsters, thanks to its massive user base and the ease of making voice/video calls and sending messages.
The growing number of such fraudulent activities has raised concerns among users, many of whom are seeking ways to protect themselves.
Here’s how to block scam calls and messages on WhatsApp by adjusting your privacy settings:
Silence Unknown Callers Feature on WhatsApp
To combat this growing problem, WhatsApp has introduced tools that allow users to block unwanted calls and messages from unknown numbers. One of the most effective options is the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature.
This setting prevents calls from numbers not saved in your contacts from ringing your phone. Instead, these calls are quietly added to your call log without alerting you.
This helps users avoid interruptions from unknown callers—many of whom may be scammers attempting to connect through WhatsApp’s internet calling system.
How to Enable This Feature:
Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
On iPhone, tap the Settings icon. On Android, tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
Go to Privacy, then tap Calls.
Find the "Silence Unknown Callers" option and toggle it on.
Once enabled, your phone will not ring when you receive a call from an unknown number on WhatsApp.
You’ll still be able to view these calls in your call history in case you want to review them later. This feature is especially useful for filtering out scam calls without losing track of who attempted to contact you.
Dealing with Scam Messages on WhatsApp
Currently, WhatsApp does not offer an option to block all messages from unknown numbers. However, users can manually block and report suspicious messages:
Open the chat with the unknown number.
Tap the contact name or number at the top.
Scroll down and choose "Block & Report".
In addition to blocking and reporting, users can fine-tune their privacy settings to control who sees their Last Seen & Online status, Profile Photo, and About information.
Setting these to “My Contacts” can reduce exposure to unknown users, making it harder for scammers to gather personal information.
WhatsApp also uses machine learning to detect suspicious behavior, but user reports are still crucial in identifying new scam accounts. By using these privacy features and reporting fraud, users can play an active role in protecting themselves on the platform.
