Unwanted WhatsApp Calls? How to Stop Spam and Fraud from +84, +62 Country Codes

WhatsApp’s convenience and global reach make it an essential communication tool for millions, but its popularity also attracts scammers. These cybercriminals exploit unsuspecting users through sophisticated tactics, often involving fake job offers, fraudulent links, and impersonation schemes.

With international scams on the rise, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant. This detailed guide will explore how these scams operate, dissect their methods, and provide actionable steps to fortify your online safety.

The Mechanics of WhatsApp Scams

Scammers employ a variety of techniques to manipulate their targets. To understand how to protect yourself, it’s essential to first grasp the methods they use.

1. Fake Job Offers: The Hook

One of the most common scams involves fake job offers. Posing as recruiters, scammers promise high-paying jobs or freelance opportunities with minimal effort. Here’s how they typically operate:

• The Approach: Victims receive a message claiming they qualify for a well-paying role, such as a remote content reviewer or data entry clerk.
• The Build-Up: Scammers provide seemingly professional documentation, such as contracts or application forms, to build credibility.
• The Trap: Victims are asked to pay upfront fees for registration, training, or equipment. Once the money is transferred, the scammers disappear.

These scams prey on job seekers’ desperation or curiosity, making them easy targets for financial fraud.

2. Psychological Manipulation Through Small Payments

Some scammers go a step further to build trust. After the initial engagement, they might deposit a small amount into your bank account as a “token of trust” for completing a task. This technique is highly effective because it lowers your defenses, making subsequent requests for larger amounts seem legitimate. Victims often believe they’re dealing with a genuine employer or organization and continue engaging until it’s too late.

3. Vanishing Acts After Payment

A hallmark of these scams is how abruptly the communication ends once a scammer achieves their goal. Victims find themselves blocked, and any attempts to contact the scammer are futile. This tactic leaves victims not only financially impacted but also confused and embarrassed, reducing the likelihood of reporting the incident.

Identifying International Call Scams

International scammers often use country codes unfamiliar to their targets. Calls from countries like Indonesia (+62) or Vietnam (+84) are frequent in these schemes. Here’s how they catch their victims:

1. Unsolicited Calls or Messages

Many scams begin with a call or WhatsApp message from an unknown number. These messages may include:

• Promises of quick cash for simple online tasks.
• A claim that you’ve won a prize or lottery.
• Threats implying legal or financial trouble unless you act immediately.

2. Common Tactics

• Urgency and Fear: Scammers pressure victims to act immediately, often citing deadlines or risks like account suspension.
• Exploitation of Trust: By using official-sounding language or impersonating legitimate entities, scammers convince victims to share sensitive information or make payments.

Proactive Measures Against Suspicious Numbers

Dealing with unknown international numbers requires a combination of caution and action. Here are step-by-step measures you can take:

Blocking and Reporting Numbers

Blocking suspicious numbers is the first line of defense. To do this effectively:

1. Open the chat with the number in WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Select More > Block to cut off communication.
4. For added security, report the number by selecting Report during this process. Reporting ensures that WhatsApp flags the account for potential misuse.

Silencing Unknown Callers

WhatsApp’s Silence Unknown Callers feature is a valuable tool:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Calls.
2. Enable Silence Unknown Callers. This feature ensures that calls from unknown numbers don’t ring, reducing distractions and the chance of engaging with scammers.

Adjusting Group Privacy Settings

Scammers sometimes add victims to WhatsApp groups to spread phishing links or malware. Protect yourself by limiting who can add you to groups:

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Groups.
2. Choose My Contacts to allow only saved contacts to add you to groups. This small change significantly reduces the risk of encountering spam or phishing attempts.

Advanced Recognition: Spotting Scams Before They Escalate

Red Flags to Watch For

Being aware of common scam characteristics can save you from potential fraud:

• Too Good to Be True: Offers promising high rewards for minimal effort are often scams.
• Generic Messaging: Scammers usually use template-like messages to target multiple individuals.
• Requests for Payments: Genuine organizations rarely ask for fees upfront.

Evaluating Suspicious Links

Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, as they may lead to:

• Phishing sites designed to steal your credentials.
• Malicious pages that install malware on your device. To verify links, use URL checkers like Google Safe Browsing or third-party antivirus tools.

How Scammers Exploit Personal Data on WhatsApp

Scammers rarely rely on brute force to access personal data. Instead, they use psychological tactics, phishing schemes, and impersonation to deceive users into willingly sharing sensitive information. Here’s a closer look at how scammers exploit personal data:

1. Social Engineering Tactics

Social engineering is one of the most effective tools in a scammer’s arsenal. They manipulate human emotions—such as trust, fear, and urgency—to extract sensitive information:

• Impersonation of Authorities: Scammers pose as officials from government agencies, banks, or well-known companies, demanding sensitive details like identification numbers or passwords.
• Urgent Language: Messages often include phrases like “Your account will be suspended within 24 hours unless you verify your details.” This creates a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act without thinking.
• Trust Exploitation: Fraudsters may pretend to be acquaintances, colleagues, or even family members, using personal details to make the interaction appear legitimate.

2. Phishing Links and Fake Websites

Phishing is a common tactic used to gather information:

• Fake Login Pages: Scammers create websites that mimic legitimate platforms. Victims are asked to log in, unknowingly sharing their credentials with the scammers.
• Malware Distribution: Clicking on links may lead to the installation of malware or spyware, which can steal personal data, including saved passwords and banking information.
• Survey Scams: Fraudsters lure users with surveys promising rewards. These surveys collect personal details, such as addresses, phone numbers, and even financial information.

3. WhatsApp Account Takeovers

A particularly dangerous scam involves hijacking your WhatsApp account:

• Verification Code Requests: Scammers contact victims, pretending to have mistakenly sent a WhatsApp verification code to their number. By sharing this code, victims grant the scammer access to their account.
• Consequences of Takeover: Once the account is hijacked, scammers can impersonate the victim to defraud their contacts or access private chats and media files.

Advanced Online Security Strategies

Protecting yourself from scams on WhatsApp and beyond requires a proactive approach. By adopting advanced security measures, you can reduce your risk of falling victim.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defense:

• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name, birthdate, or common phrases.
• Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary form of verification:

• In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and set a PIN.
• Use an authentication app, like Google Authenticator or Authy, for added protection on other platforms.

3. Keep Apps and Devices Updated

Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit. Ensure that:

• Your phone’s operating system is updated to the latest version.
• All apps, especially WhatsApp, are regularly updated to patch security flaws.
• Avoid using devices that no longer receive security updates from the manufacturer.

4. Install Reputable Security Software

Invest in antivirus and antimalware tools:

• Use security software to scan your device for potential threats.
• Enable real-time protection to detect and block malicious activity as it occurs.

5. Educate Yourself About Emerging Scams

Staying informed is one of the most effective defenses:

• Follow trusted cybersecurity blogs and organizations.
• Participate in awareness programs or online courses about online safety.

What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to a Scam

If you realize you’ve been scammed, swift action is essential to minimize damage. Follow these steps:

1. Secure Your Bank and Financial Accounts

• Contact your bank immediately to report unauthorized transactions.
• Request a freeze on your account if suspicious activity is detected.
• Change your online banking passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

2. Recover Your WhatsApp Account

• If your WhatsApp account has been compromised, log out of all sessions by reinstalling the app and entering your number.
• Verify your account using the original phone number and set up two-factor authentication.

3. Report the Scam

• To WhatsApp: Contact their support team at android_web@support.whatsapp.com (Android) or iphone_web@support.whatsapp.com (iOS). Include screenshots and a detailed description.
• To Authorities: In India, report scams to the Cyber Crime portal (cybercrime.gov.in). In the U.S., file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

4. Spread Awareness

• Inform your friends, family, and contacts about the scam to prevent further incidents.
• Share your experience on social media or local community groups to raise awareness.

Protecting Yourself from Fake Job Offers

Fraudulent job offers are among the most pervasive WhatsApp scams. Spotting and avoiding them requires careful scrutiny.

1. Verify Employer Legitimacy

• Check the Company Website: Look for a professional website with verifiable contact information.
• Search for Reviews: Research the company on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or similar platforms.
• Direct Contact: Reach out to the company using official channels (not the contact details provided by the scammer).

2. Recognize Red Flags

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate employers never ask for payments for training, equipment, or placements.
• Vague Job Descriptions: Phrases like “Earn $500 daily from home” are often signs of fraud.
• High Pressure: Avoid offers demanding immediate decisions without sufficient details.

3. Guard Your Information

• Share personal and financial information only after verifying the employer’s authenticity.
• Avoid sending documents like ID proofs or bank details to unverified contacts.