How to not become a victim on whatsapp or on mobile from unknown numbers
To avoid becoming a victim of scams or fraud from unknown numbers on WhatsApp and mobile, follow these key safety practices updated for 2025:
How to Protect Yourself from Unknown Numbers on WhatsApp and Mobile
Pause and Think: Be cautious when receiving messages or calls from unknown numbers. Watch for urgent requests, threats, demands for money, or asking for personal info such as passwords or PINs.
Stop the Conversation: If you suspect a scam, stop replying and hang up calls immediately. Do not share any personal or financial information.
Block and Report: Use WhatsApp’s block feature to stop contact from unknown or suspicious numbers and report them to WhatsApp to protect others.
Enable Two-Step Verification: Add an extra layer of account security by requiring a PIN to access your WhatsApp account (Settings > Account > Two-step verification). This helps prevent account takeover even if someone has your SMS verification code.
Review and Adjust Privacy Settings:
Limit who can see your profile photo, last seen, about info, and status to your contacts or custom lists.
Restrict who can add you to groups to trusted contacts only.
Use the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature to prevent calls from numbers not in your contacts from ringing your phone.
Be Wary of Group Invites: WhatsApp now shows a Safety Overview before you join groups added by unknown numbers, providing info about the group’s creator, member count, and whether you know any members. Use this info to decide whether to join or leave.
Avoid Clicking Unknown Links or Downloading Attachments: Links or files from unknown contacts can carry malware or lead to phishing sites.
Regularly Check Linked Devices: Monitor devices connected to your WhatsApp account in Settings > Linked Devices and log out of any you don’t recognize.
Keep Your App Updated: Use only the official WhatsApp version and install updates promptly to benefit from the latest security features.
Be Suspicious of Requests for Money or Personal Information: Legitimate contacts or businesses rarely ask for payments or sensitive info via chat without prior verification.
Additional Tips for Mobile Safety from Unknown Numbers
Use call-blocking features available on your phone to block spam or unknown callers.
Do not respond to SMS or text messages from numbers you don’t recognize, especially those asking for codes or personal data.
Avoid sharing your mobile number on public platforms to reduce unsolicited contacts.
By combining these behaviors with WhatsApp’s built-in safety tools, you greatly reduce your risk of fraud or scams from unknown numbers on WhatsApp and mobile devices.