WhatsApp has recently been in the spotlight due to an increase in scams involving international calls and messages. Scammers are exploiting the platform to deceive users, often targeting them with fraudulent job offers or enticing tasks. To help you understand this issue and safeguard your online presence, we have compiled this comprehensive FAQ.
Q: Why am I receiving WhatsApp calls from International numbers starting with +62, +84, and others?
Calls starting with +62 correspond to Indonesia, and +84 correspond to Vietnam. Scammers are using these international codes to defraud users. They may offer job opportunities or tasks and ask for a joining fee. Once they receive the payment, they typically cease all communication.
Scammers might also entice you to like YouTube videos, promising payment for each like. To gain your trust, they may initially deposit a small amount into your bank account but then stop after you’ve completed tasks. The frequency of these calls can vary, with some users reporting 2 to 4 calls on alternate days.
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Q: How can I protect myself from fraudulent and spam WhatsApp calls and messages?
There are several strategies to protect yourself:
Block and Report the Phone Number
- If you receive calls or messages from numbers with +62 or other suspicious country codes, block and report them. Follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and select the chat you want to block or report.
- Tap the three-dot icon at the top.
- Choose ‘More’ from the menu.
- Tap the ‘Block’ button.
- Select the checkmark and click ‘Block.’
Note- Follow all the above steps and select the ‘Report’ option from the menu to report a number.
Turn on Silence Unknown Callers Setting:
To reduce distractions from unfamiliar calls, enable the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ setting:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three-dot icon at the top.
- Select ‘Settings.’
- Go to ‘Privacy’ and scroll down to the ‘Calls’ section.
- Toggle on ‘Silence Unknown Callers.’
Change Who Can Add You to Groups:
Prevent spammers from adding you to dubious groups:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three-dot icon at the top.
- Select ‘Settings.’
- Choose ‘Privacy.’
- Click on ‘Groups.’
- Select ‘My Contacts.’
4. Do Not Pick Up Calls:
If you receive WhatsApp calls from unfamiliar numbers with a +62 country code, and you haven’t interacted with anyone from Indonesia, it’s advisable not to answer. Callers from Indonesia may be involved in scams.
5. Do Not Message or Call Back
A: You should exercise caution with WhatsApp calls and messages from country codes like +62 (Indonesia), +84 (Vietnam), +1 (United States), +212 (Morocco), +251 (Ethiopia), and +880 (Bangladesh).
Q: Can I contact and report fraud to WhatsApp?
A: Yes, you can report fraud to WhatsApp by sending an email to android_web@support.whatsapp.com if you have an Android device or to iphone_web@support.whatsapp.com if you use an iPhone.
Q: Is it safe to click on links sent via WhatsApp, especially from unfamiliar numbers?
A: No, it’s not safe to click on links from unfamiliar mobile numbers. Scammers often use these links to deceive users and potentially compromise their personal information or finances. Always exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar links on WhatsApp.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance your security and protect yourself from WhatsApp scams and fraudulent activities. Stay vigilant and prioritize your online safety.
Q: What should I do if I’ve already fallen victim to a WhatsApp scam?
A: If you’ve fallen victim to a WhatsApp scam, take immediate action to protect yourself:
- Contact your bank or financial institution to report any unauthorized transactions.
- Change your WhatsApp password and enable two-step verification.
- Block the scammer’s phone number on WhatsApp.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement or cybercrime authorities.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online and with strangers.
- Inform your friends and family about the scam to prevent them from falling victim.
Q: Can scammers gain access to my personal data or WhatsApp account through these calls and messages?
A: While WhatsApp itself is secure and end-to-end encrypted, scammers may attempt to trick you into revealing personal information or login credentials. It’s crucial to remain cautious and not share sensitive data with unknown contacts.
Q: How can I differentiate between a legitimate job offer and a scam?
A: To distinguish between a genuine job offer and a scam:
- Research the company independently to verify its legitimacy.
- Be skeptical of job offers that require an upfront payment or fee.
- Avoid providing personal or financial information to unknown recruiters.
- Verify the contact details of the recruiter and the company’s official website.
Q: Are there any official channels for reporting WhatsApp scams to authorities?
A: Yes, you can report WhatsApp scams to relevant authorities, such as local law enforcement agencies, your country’s cybercrime division, and organizations like the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in the United States. Additionally, WhatsApp provides options to report spam and block numbers.
Q: What steps can I take to enhance my overall online security beyond WhatsApp?
A: To bolster your online security:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Regularly update your device’s operating system and applications.
- Educate yourself about common online scams and phishing tactics.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Consider using reputable antivirus and antimalware software on your devices.
Q: How can I educate my friends and family about WhatsApp scams to protect them from falling victim?
A: You can educate your loved ones about WhatsApp scams by sharing information and best practices:
- Discuss the common signs of scams, such as requests for money or personal information.
- Encourage them to verify the identity of unknown contacts before engaging with them.
- Advise them to report suspicious messages and calls to WhatsApp.
- Share articles and resources, like this FAQ, to raise awareness about online safety.
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