Getting unknown or spam calls on WhatsApp can be annoying and concerning. There are a few potential reasons why you may be receiving these unwanted calls.
You made your phone number public
One of the most common reasons for getting unknown calls on WhatsApp is because your phone number is visible to everyone. When you signed up for WhatsApp, your phone number may have been automatically added to your profile. This makes it viewable to all of your WhatsApp contacts. Your number may also be available publicly if you have shared it on social media, online forums, business listings, or other websites.
Having your phone number openly available enables spammers and scammers to easily find it and call you on WhatsApp. They often use autodialing programs and bots to call thousands of numbers at once, hoping some recipients will answer. To avoid this issue, make sure your phone number is not visible on your WhatsApp profile or publicly searchable online.
You responded to a spam or unknown call
Replying to an unknown WhatsApp call signals to spammers that your number is active. Autodialers will often call random or sequential numbers, then add any numbers that answer to lists of active numbers. These active numbers are then targeted with even more frequent scam and spam calls.
The best practice is to not answer calls from any numbers you do not recognize. You can also block unknown numbers so your phone does not ring for these calls. Replying “STOP” or opting out does not work, as spammers ignore these requests. Avoiding or blocking unknown callers is more effective.
Your number was shared, sold, or leaked
Your phone number may have been shared with or sold to scam call centers. This can happen if you entered your number on websites or forms that later sold or leaked user data. Signing up for subscriptions, entering contests and giveaways, or submitting your details to unfamiliar websites are common ways your number can end up on spam lists.
Scammers also purchase bulk lists of cell phone numbers, often from data breaches and leaks. Even if you are careful with your number, it could still have been compromised or sold in one of these data dumps.
You have been targeted for specific scams
In some cases, your number may be specifically targeted by scammers for certain types of scams. Some current scam calls on WhatsApp include:
- Messages pretending to be from a friend or family member in need of money
- “Wrong number” scams that aim to start a conversation and build trust
- Tech support scams claiming your WhatsApp account has been compromised
- Calls pretending to be from a delivery company, bank, government agency, or other organization
If you have fallen for one of these scams before, the scammers may have marked you as an easy target for more calls. Or you may be selectively targeted based on personal details the scammers have on you.
Your locale is being heavily targeted
Spam campaigns often focus on specific regions and demographics. If unanimous WhatsApp calls are very common in your area, it is likely the spammers have zoned in on your locale for intense robocalling campaigns. Changing your number may help, but the new number will likely start receiving the same calls if the spammers remain focused on your geographic area.
How to reduce and handle unknown calls on WhatsApp
Here are some tips to help minimize unwanted calls from strangers on WhatsApp:
- Block unknown numbers so your phone doesn’t ring for their calls.
- Avoid giving out your number publicly or to untrusted websites and sources.
- Do not answer or reply to any calls from numbers you do not know.
- Report spam numbers and conversations to WhatsApp.
- Turn on two-step verification for added security on your account.
- Beware of scams like wrong numbers, requests for personal information, verification codes, etc.
- Install a spam call blocking app to identify and block robocalls.
- Contact your phone carrier about call blocking tools they may offer.
- Register your number on the Do Not Call registry to reduce legal telemarketing calls.
Are unknown WhatsApp calls dangerous?
While annoying, unknown calls on WhatsApp are typically low risk, but users should still exercise caution. Here are some potential dangers of answering these calls:
- Call charges – Unknown calls could originate from other countries and incur international calling fees if answered.
- Scams – Callers may try to trick you into sharing personal information or sending money.
- Account compromise – Scammers could gain access to your WhatsApp account through social engineering.
- Malware – Though rare, calls could potentially install spyware or other malicious software.
- Data theft – Spammers may be able to access contact details and other data on your phone.
The safest option is to ignore and block any calls that are not from known and trusted contacts. This prevents falling victim to social engineering scams and minimizes unwanted disturbance from spam calls.
Can I stop unknown calls on WhatsApp?
While there is no way to completely eliminate unknown calls, you can take steps to reduce them and prevent disturbances from them:
- Block all unknown numbers to prevent them ringing through.
- Use smart spam call filtering and blocking tools and apps.
- Do not answer calls from unknown international numbers to avoid high bills.
- Report spam numbers to WhatsApp to try to get them blocked.
- Frequently back up your chats so you can safely block suspicious numbers.
- Enable two-step verification for account security against scams.
- Avoid making your phone number publicly available to limit exposure.
In most cases, immediately blocking any suspicious or unknown calls is the most effective approach. This trains spam systems that your number is not viable, reducing future calls. Keep reporting spam to WhatsApp so they can terminate accounts making unwanted calls.
Should I be concerned about unknown WhatsApp calls?
Here are some guidelines on when to be concerned about unknown WhatsApp calls:
- Repeated calls from the same unknown number indicate an aggressive spammer or scammer.
- Calls from multiple unknown numbers in a short period suggest your number is being widely targeted.
- International numbers could be associated with dangerous scams and high charges if answered.
- Messages claiming to be a friend in need or other emergency are always scams.
- Calls related to account, payment, or security issues are nearly always scams.
One or two sporadic unknown calls are not necessarily dangerous. But repeated calls, multiple unknown numbers, and scam call topics should raise red flags. These patterns indicate your number is being actively targeted and answering risks potential scams or account compromise.
Aggressive spam campaigns may need further action like changing numbers or provider settings. Enable all blocking tools available and avoid acknowledging unknown callers in any way.
Should I answer unknown WhatsApp calls?
It is not recommended to answer calls from any number you do not recognize. Here are risks of answering unknown WhatsApp calls:
- Scams – You may be tricked into sharing info or money.
- Charges – International spammers can generate high phone bills.
- Block evasion – Answering signals your number is active for more calls.
- Hacking – Social engineering could compromise your account.
- Harassment – Some callers may aggressively reach out repeatedly.
Additionally, unknown callers are unlikely to be legitimate contacts. Important callers normally leave a voicemail or follow up with an explanatory message if you miss their call.
In summary, there is little benefit and plenty of risk to answering anonymous calls. You should ignore or block these calls to avoid disturbances, fees, scams, and other issues.
What are some common WhatsApp scams via unknown calls?
Here are some current and past common scams on WhatsApp calls:
- “Wrong number” scam – Callers pretend to have the wrong number and aim to build trust.
- Verification code scams – Callers claim you requested a code and try to obtain it from you.
- Account suspension scam – Callers say your account is limited and tricks you into handing over passwords or payment.
- Technical support scam – Callers pretend to be WhatsApp support and offer to fix issues for a fee.
- Emergency scams – Callers impersonate family or friends claiming to desperately need money.
- Fraud warnings – Scammers warn your account is compromised and try to gain remote access.
- Deal scams – Callers pretend to be selling something, but only aim to get payments.
Any urgent call from an unknown number demanding money, account details, or access should be assumed malicious. Hang up and block the number immediately. Legitimate businesses will not cold call you in this manner.
Should I report unknown calls to WhatsApp?
It is recommended to report any unknown or spam calls you receive on WhatsApp. Here’s how to report these numbers:
- Open the conversation with the unknown number.
- Tap More Options > Report Contact.
- Select “Report Spam” as the reason.
Reporting spam helps WhatsApp identify and block abusive numbers more quickly. This protects you as well as other users who may receive calls from the same numbers. WhatsApp reviews accounts with multiple spam reports and often bans them from the platform.
Some tips for effective reporting:
- Report the earliest interactions with unknown callers, not just the latest.
- Include screenshots or details of any scam call topics or messages.
- Encourage any friends who received similar calls to also report the number.
With active user reports, WhatsApp can continuously improve its spam detection and blocking. This enhances security and reduces unwanted calls for everyone.
WhatsApp call spam summary
- Do not answer or reply to any unknown callers.
- Block and report suspicious or spam numbers.
- Beware of scams requesting personal details or payments.
- Enable two-step verification for added security.
- Limit publicly sharing your phone number.
- Back up chats frequently in case you need to block numbers.
- Use phone settings and apps to identify and block robocalls.
Staying cautious against unknown callers and threats allows you to safely use WhatsApp without dealing with disturbance from spam. Report any issues to help improve protection and have a more positive calling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do spammers get my phone number?
Spammers obtain phone numbers through methods like:
- Online and public databases
- Directory listings
- Data breaches and leaks
- Purchased number lists
- Social media and forums
- Call list sharing with other spammers
- Random number generation
What happens if I answer a WhatsApp spam call?
Answering a spam call signals your number is active. This results in more calls from the original spammer and other associated operations. You also risk expensive international call fees, account hacking attempts, and falling victim to financial scams.
Can I stop businesses from calling me on WhatsApp?
To reduce calls from legitimate businesses on WhatsApp:
- Ask the business to remove your number from their calling list.
- Block their number.
- Register your number on the Do Not Call registry.
However, scams and offshore robocallers are harder to stop. Use blocking and reporting to minimize unwanted calls from them.
Should I add unknown numbers to my WhatsApp contacts?
No, you should never add an unknown caller to your contacts list. This gives them access to your profile info and WhatsApp groups. Only save numbers if you know and trust the caller.
Is there a way to get calls without caller ID on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp uses your registered phone number as the caller ID. There is no way to hide your caller ID from receiving users. Spoofing a different number also violates WhatsApp policies.
Can WhatsApp tell me who is calling me?
WhatsApp displays the registered number of the caller. Occasionally this is hidden or spoofed by spammers. If you do not recognize the number, ask the caller to identify themselves. If they don’t, hang up and block the suspicious number.
How do I change my phone number on WhatsApp to stop spam calls?
To change your number on WhatsApp to potentially avoid spam calls:
- Get a new phone number from your mobile carrier.
- Back up your WhatsApp chat history.
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Change Number.
- Enter your old and new number and tap Next.
- Verify the change through an SMS code.
However, your new number will likely start receiving spam in time as well. Call blocking and reporting are better long-term solutions.