Getting WhatsApp calls from international numbers? 5 things to immediately do when you get such calls, messages
With the increased use of WhatsApp for communication, there has also been a rise in the number of scam and spam messages or calls. Many scammers use WhatsApp to trick people into giving them money or personal information. If you receive a call or message from an unknown international number, it's important to know what steps to take to protect yourself.
What are the 5 things you should do immediately?
If you receive a WhatsApp call or message from an unknown international number, here are the five things you should do immediately:
1. Do not answer the call
The first thing you should do when you receive a call from an unknown international number is not to answer it. Answering the call will only confirm to the caller that your number is active and in use. This may lead to more spam or scam calls in the future.
2. Block the number
After not answering the call, the next thing you should do is to block the number. Blocking the number will prevent the caller from contacting you again. To block a number on WhatsApp, simply open the chat window and tap on the three dots in the top right corner. Then, select "More" and "Block".
3. Report the number
If you receive repeated calls or messages from the same number, you should report it to WhatsApp. Reporting the number will help WhatsApp to identify and take action against scammers or spammers. To report a number on WhatsApp, go to the chat window, tap on the three dots, and select "Report contact".
4. Do not share personal information
If you receive a message from an unknown international number asking for personal information, do not share it. Scammers often use this tactic to trick people into giving away their personal information, such as bank account details or social security numbers. If you're not sure whether a message is legitimate, do not respond and delete it immediately.
5. Educate yourself about scams and spam
One of the best ways to protect yourself from scams and spam is to educate yourself about them. There are many resources available online that can help you identify and avoid scams and spam. You can also sign up for scam alerts from your bank or credit card company to stay informed about the latest scams.
As mentioned earlier, getting WhatsApp calls from international numbers is a common issue these days. If you're wondering why you're receiving these calls or messages, here are some reasons:
- Scammers and fraudsters use WhatsApp to trick people into giving them money or personal information.
- Some companies or businesses may use WhatsApp to contact their customers.
- It could be a wrong number or a misdial.
Regardless of the reason, if you receive a call or message from an unknown international number, it's important to take the steps mentioned above to protect yourself.
FAQs
Q. Can I answer the call and confront the scammer?
A. No, it's not recommended to answer the call or confront the scammer. This can put you in danger, and scammers may become aggressive or threatening.