WhatsApp is a high-security application as it offers end-to-end encryption to all chats, which means only the sender and receiver can see the messages, not even the app itself. Still, it is common to get calls/messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp, but that is not always straightforward.
You might get such messages either from known or unknown persons. You should be alert after getting an inconvenience message continuously because the scammer could be tricking you into getting your personal details.
However, sometimes an unknown message sender could be your friend who has replaced his old contact number.
Whenever you get messages and links from unknown numbers on WhatsApp, you probably wonder about the security risk and get disappointed. Sometimes, such texts make us frustrated and irritated, but we don’t know how to minimize them.
Suppose you are also one of those who are dealing with such problems and searching for a solution. Just relax and be calm because you are in the right place.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind getting messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp and also how to diminish them.
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Can an Unknown Person Message Me on WhatsApp?
The person whom you don’t know can send messages on your WhatsApp because the app allows you to text if someone has a contact number on their phone. After saving a mobile number, anybody can easily access your account until WhatsApp is activated on your device.
If you also used to get texts from unknown users constantly, you shouldn’t have to take it lightly. Some scammers might trick you so that you can be at risk of cybercriminals.
There is possible to get texts from unknown national and international numbers. United State (US) and United Kingdom (UK) mobile numbers start with (+1) and (+44), respectively.
If they get your WhatsApp number, there is no complication in sending messages. Some of them might be spam numbers that ask you to open links and could be taken you to phishing Websites.
If you get messages from any suspicious numbers and feel that they are not good ones and may steal your personal details, You can suppress the risk by reporting or blocking the user immediately.
Why am I Getting WhatsApp Messages from Unknown Numbers?
On WhatsApp, it is common to get messages and calls from random numbers. Such numbers might be foreign or domestic.
You mustn’t have to respond to such calls or open the link immediately. Opening links and receiving calls might be taken you to spoofing websites.
So it might be better to avoid suspicious users’ texts until you strongly believe them.
There exist various reasons behind getting WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers. Among them, we have listed some reasons that will help to clear your doubts about getting messages from unknown users on WhatsApp.
1. Accidental calls
It is common to get accidental calls on WhatsApp. Sometimes, you may experience random user calls and messages. Usually, this happens because of saving the wrong number and calling on WhatsApp by mistake.
2. Scammers
Once a scammer gets your number, they share it with others to trap you. They used to message you on a regular basis.
They show you temptation and give you the link to get the offer. At the same time, they ask for personal details that make them an easy way to access your other social media or financial accounts.
To be safe from such fraudulent contacts, you have to ignore their sweet talks and offers. Reporting and blocking them are the permanent solutions to get rid of such unsolicited messages.
3. Automated messages from marketers
Some businesses get your WhatsApp number through other organizations and send messages to random users. They usually promote their business by updating information about new products and services.
This is not a subject to worry about, but if you feel annoyed and irritated, you can report such advertisements to see less.
4. From the contact, you have forgotten
One of the reasons for getting messages from unknown contacts might be that you have forgotten the contacts. The user might be someone whom you know but not their contacts.
Your school friends could have pranked you by continuously calling and sending funny memes from their new contact numbers.
In some cases, unknown numbers turn into an old-school friend contact whom you know in real life.
To confirm whether they are actual friends or not, view their profile picture. You can also add a full profile picture to make your friends recognize you easily.
You don’t have to worry about it if they call you just once and don’t ask you for testimonials.
How to Stop Receiving Messages from Unknown Numbers on WhatsApp?
You probably get WhatsApp messages from unknown users. This happens to most of the users of WhatsApp because this app allows users to send messages after saving a number.
But, if you want to send messages to someone without saving a number, there is a tricky idea. Please read our article.
If you are also getting irritated and frustrated by getting such calls and messages, then don’t worry because we have simple and quick solutions for you.
1. Blocking the user
Scammers get your phone number and start to send sweet and reliable messages regularly so that you can build up trust in them.
Their primary aim is to get your personal information and hack accounts. Whenever you feel that the texts and links are unsafe, block the contact number immediately before they harm you.
Blocking is the safest and quickest way to stop receiving messages from WhatsApp. You can do this using any smartphone or computer.
2. Report the number
Once the frauds find out your number, they use it to send various website links so that they can easily steal your personal details. This is the easiest way for them to access your personal testimonials.
Some businesses adopt WhatsApp as a medium to advertise their products. Although they are not harmful, they might be irritating.
To control your inbox from getting useless messages, report the contact whenever you feel disturbed, either from the mobile app (Android and iPhone) or the desktop web app.
3. Delete or ignore the message
Avoid sharing links and attachments that you receive from unknown numbers. They must have tricked you into trapping other innocent users.
So delete the chats immediately once you feel they are not good ones. Ignoring is also the best option to save yourself from being betrayed.
4. Limit who can add you to the group
All members of the group can see each other’s profiles and message every participant. They are able to see your profile bio and description also.
If you want to stop receiving messages from unknown numbers, avoid joining groups unnecessarily. Try to join groups whose participants are well-known.
You can limit who can add you to a group from WhatsApp> Three-dot> Settings> Privacy> Groups.
Toggle on the radio button of “My Contacts”; only your saved contacts can join you in a new group. If you want to limit to add you even from a contacts toggle on “My contacts except.”
NOTE: Contacts that are limited to add you on groups, admins of groups can invite you privately instead.
FAQs – Getting WhatsApp Messages From Unknown Numbers
A: Receiving messages from unknown users doesn’t means they can harm you because, in some cases, your close friends and relatives could have changed the contact number. But you should be concerned about the scammers who can spam you.
A: If you reply to the message and open the link sent by scammers, there could arise a risk that will track you to phishing websites. On the other hand, there is nearly impossible to harm you if you have received texts mistakenly.
Conclusion:
Getting messages from unknown numbers is common on WhatsApp and other apps that run by using contact numbers.
You should be concerned if you used to get messages regularly from them. Some of them can be scammers who text you to get your personal information. You should have to resist opening links that you receive from unknown contacts.
If you are facing such a problem and want an instant solution, then block the contact immediately to prevent risks. You can do this either from a computer or a mobile app.
However, marketers also use to send messages simultaneously from their contact list to promote their business. You don’t have to worry about it if they call you just once and don’t ask you for testimonials. Also, you can mute someone on WhatsApp to ignore messages and calls from such users.
