Being a victim of deception, theft or scams on the Internet is very easy, especially when we are gullible and do not handle the information properly. There are processes and methods to take care of ourselves, especially in instant messaging applications. Today we will tell you how configure WhatsApp to avoid scams.
If you're wondering how can I be scammed from WhatsApp, the answer is simple: giving your personal data. Let's see how computer criminals act to steal vitally important information from you and steal money from you or blackmail you.
There are more and more scams on WhatsApp
The WhatsApp scams are more frequent than you think and as the methods are perfected, more people are deceived. A very common one is to impersonate a person you know, but under a very common name which you surely have among your contacts, this is known as "whatsapping«.
For example, they send a message saying: "Hello, I'm María, I've changed my number"; It also applies to male names like Antonio or Manuel, these being the most popular names in Spain. When you initiate contact with this number, asking if it is María so or Antonio so, the scammer uses that information to try to deceive you.
Another way is for them to send you a statement saying that it is WhatsApp and it needs some codes that will be sent to your mobile. Do not ignore this message and block it, because they want to steal your number to deceive or scam other people. That code is simply the two-step verification code, and if someone else obtains it, say goodbye to your WhatsApp number.
WhatsApp is also used to scam people with mass messages of links or downloads of malicious applications. They are installed on your device to steal your access codes, bank credentials or data to use against you.
Protect WhatsApp from scammers
WhatsApp is an instant messaging application that is customized and configured according to your needs. From there you can start to improve security levels and avoid being a victim of scams. Let's see how to improve the functions of this application and minimize the risks.
Silence calls from strangers
Al silence calls from strangers You avoid receiving these interactions from contacts that you do not have registered. It is perfect to prevent strangers or third parties that you have not authorized from calling you, doing so with total normality. To prevent this from happening you must do the following:
Follow these steps to silence WhatsApp calls
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- Go to the "Settings" of the app, pressing the three vertical dots located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Look for the “privacy” section.
- Go down a little and click on the “calls” option. There you can activate the "silence calls from unknown numbers" function, but you will be able to see the call notification.
That strangers cannot add you to groups
WhatsApp groups are spaces where scams can move more freely. This, motivated by the fact that it can include in one where you don't know anyone. They were able to find your number on the internet and without your consent include you in them. To avoid this situation you must do the following:
With this guide they will not be able to add you to WhatsApp groups
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- Go to the "Settings" of the app, pressing the three vertical dots located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Look for the “privacy” section.
- Select the “groups” option and choose the “my contacts” option so that only known people can include you in these groups.
Restrict viewing of your profile photo
WhatsApp allows you to copy your profile photo, a practice that can have scam purposes using your graphic identity. To avoid this situation you must block the display of your profile picture and you can do it in the following way:
Guide to restrict viewing your WhatsApp profile
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- Go to the "Settings" of the app, pressing the three vertical dots located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Look for the “privacy” section.
- Select the “profile photo” option and indicate who can see it. You can leave it only for your contacts, specify who is not, or be more radical and let no one see it.
Verify your WhatsApp account
La two-step verification of your WhatsApp account It helps you generate greater protection when using the app. Every time you try to use WhatsApp the system will ask you for a block of numbers that will be sent to your mobile. This way, the platform will know that it is you who is trying to enter. If someone wants to do it without your permission, the system will send you the code, so if you have not requested it, they are trying to scam you.
We explain how to verify your WhatsApp account
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- Go to the "Settings" of the app, pressing the three vertical dots located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Look for the “account” section.
- Select the “two-step verification” option and activate the functionality.
- The t system requests a 6-digit pin which you will be prompted for each time you attempt to enter this feature.
- Then you must add an email in case you forget the previous pin. Once placed you can change the pin or deactivate the function.
Block suspicious phone numbers
On WhatsApp you can block numbers suspicious or unknown phone numbers to avoid contact with scammers. To do this you must wait for them to write to you and then follow some very simple steps that we show you below:
How do you block a phone number?
- Go to the “chat” section and locate the conversation of the unknown number you want to block.
- Press and hold it for a few seconds until a menu appears at the top.
- Press the three vertical dots located in the upper right corner.
- Now, select the “block chat” option.
Select who can see your last connection and whether you are online
Block connection data and last time connected from strangers or all your contacts to prevent them from knowing your movements and schedules. This way you minimize scams and risks of being deceived on social networks. Let's see how to do it:
With these steps you can select which contacts can see you online
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- Go to the "Settings" of the app, pressing the three vertical dots located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Look for the “privacy” section.
- Select the “Last Seen and Online Time” option.
- Choose the "no one" option and no one will be able to know your connection times.
- It is important that you know that, if you block this, you will not be able to see this information from other contacts either.
Scams on social networks or WhatsApp through methods such as WhatsApp are the order of the day. However, these configurations, although effective, the highest level of security you can apply is: do not be a dupe. Always doubt everything that is shown to you as if by “magic” on the platform and verify before doing anything. Tell us if you have been a victim of scams in any digital media.
