How to protect yourself from suspicious messages and scams on WhatsApp
Step 1: Pause and think Look out for suspicious behavior: Are they using an unknown number? Step 2: Stop the conversation Hang up a call or stop replying to the user. Step 3: Block and report Block the user to stop them from contacting you, and report them to WhatsApp. Step 4: Update your privacy and security settings Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your personal information and contact you.
Meta-owned WhatsApp is one of the most widely used social media platforms across the world. One can send messages, make voice and video calls, and stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. However, the platform is often used by scammers to trick people into sharing personal details, revealing passwords or PINs, or transferring money. These messages may come from unknown numbers or even contacts pretending to be someone you know. Scammers may create a sense of urgency, make threats or ask you to trust them without giving you time to check whether their claims are genuine. A message or call that seems unusual should be treated with caution, especially if the person asks for financial information or personal details. If you cannot confirm who is contacting you, avoid sharing sensitive information or continuing the conversation. WhatsApp recommends taking a few simple steps to protect yourself from suspicious messages and possible scams. These include pausing to check the message, ending the conversation if something feels wrong, blocking and reporting suspicious accounts, and reviewing your privacy and security settings. Enabling two-step verification can also add another layer of protection to your account. Are they rushing you? Are they being threatening or asking you to trust them? Are they asking you to transfer money or share a password, pin, or personal information? If you can’t verify the contact’s identity, do not share any personal or financial information. Learn how to block and report in this article. You can also enable two-step verification to better secure your account. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.