Receiving messages and calls from unknown numbers on WhatsApp is not only inconvenient and annoying, but also option for cybercriminals to create attacks.
That’s why it’s so important to know how to block these messages and avoid scams a scam that grabs our data and moneywith different modalities constantly emerging.
Receiving messages and calls from unknown numbers on WhatsApp is not only a nuisancebut also involves digital security risks. Users may be targeted for fraud attempts, phishing and other methods that range from identity theft to fraud to obtain illegal payments.
These attacks often use persuasive strategies or trick trusted individuals to increase their chances of success.
Attackers’ strategies are becoming more sophisticated. They send mass messages with fraudulent offers or request information by pretending to be banks or government agencies. Many users, despite warnings, still fall into these traps, which highlights the importance of incorporating preventive measures into the supplement.
To set up protection against messages from unknown accounts, follow these steps in the application:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the home screen.
- Tap the three-dot icon in the top corner to enter the settings menu.
- Select the Settings section and then click Privacy.
- Find the “Advanced” section, which focuses on additional privacy and security options.
- Activate the “Block messages from unknown accounts” function.
It’s worth noting that this feature was initially only available to WhatsApp beta users, though its gradual rollout will see it reach the entire user base in the coming weeks. If you still don’t see it when you check the menu, It is recommended to constantly update the application and stay tuned for future releases.
Spam protection can be enhanced with other settings available in WhatsApp, which help prevent the entry of unwanted contacts and the disclosure of personal information:
- Block calls from unknown numbers: In the “Privacy” menu, there is an option to mute calls from unregistered contacts. When enabled, these calls stop generating beeps and pop-up notifications. They will remain visible in the call tab and general notifications, but will not interrupt the normal use of the device.
- Control of adding a group: So that a third party does not add a user to unwanted groups, you need to go to “Settings”, then “Privacy” and in the “Groups” section select the configuration “My contacts” or “My contacts except…”, adding exceptions if desired.
- Manage Visible Information: In the Privacy menu, you can configure who can see your profile picture, last connection time, and online status. Selecting “My Contacts” or “Nobody” reduces exposure to social engineering attempts.
- Disable read receipts: By disabling this feature, others will not know if the user has read their messages, although they will not be able to see the read status of messages sent to others.
Adopting these adjustments is critical in today’s digital context, where fraud and harassment methods are rapidly evolving. The main advantages of these configurations are:
- Reducing the risk of fraud and phishing: By limiting the possibility of contact with strangers, you reduce the impact of manipulation methods that seek to obtain bank details, passwords or install malicious programs.
- Privacy protection: Controlling access to personal information published in the profile prevents abuse by third parties.
- Avoid harassment and harassment: Automatic filtering of unwanted messages and calls promotes digital well-being, reducing interruptions and embarrassing situations.
- Limiting spam and misleading offers: These tools block the mass influx of fraudulent advertising messages, one of the resources most often used by cybercriminals.
