WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It’s free, easy to use interface has made it the go-to app for messaging and calling for many people.
One of the things that makes WhatsApp so convenient is that it uses your phone number as your ID on the platform. So you can easily search for and message anyone if you have their phone number. However, this also raises the question – can someone use a fake or spoofed phone number on WhatsApp? Let’s dive into the details.
How WhatsApp Verifies Numbers
When you first sign up for WhatsApp, it will verify your phone number by sending a 6-digit code via SMS to that number. You need to enter this code to activate your account. This verification is meant to ensure that you actually own the phone number and aren’t using a fake one.
Once your number is verified, it gets linked to your WhatsApp account. If you want to change the number linked to your account, WhatsApp will re-verify the new number through an SMS code.
So in theory, it’s not possible to use a fake or non-existent phone number on WhatsApp, since you wouldn’t be able to complete the verification process. The only way is if you manage to spoof a real, operational phone number somehow.
Spoofing a WhatsApp Number
While difficult, there are some ways hackers and scammers can spoof phone numbers to use on WhatsApp:
SIM Spoofing
With SIM spoofing, scammers manage to program a SIM card to use any number they want. So they can take a real SIM, spoof it to use someone else’s number, and then use it to activate a WhatsApp account. This technique is used for more elaborate scams on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Verification Bypass
There are techniques with which hackers can bypass WhatsApp’s verification process and activate an account without ever verifying a phone number. This vulnerability has existed in the past but WhatsApp generally fixes them quickly.
Online Phone Numbers
There are some online services that provide you with temporary virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS or calls. These numbers usually activate automatically and don’t require a real SIM. Scammers can use such numbers to activate WhatsApp accounts.
Scams and Fake Accounts on WhatsApp
While not common, there have been instances of scammers using fake or spoofed numbers on WhatsApp for shady activities:
WhatsApp Account Hacking
Scammers who manage to take over someone’s WhatsApp account using spoofing can use it to message the person’s contacts and spread scams, malware etc.
Impersonation
By spoofing someone’s number, scammers can pretend to be that person and message their contacts to spread fake news or extract money.
WhatsApp Bots
There are WhatsApp accounts controlled by bots that spread spammy content or scams. These often use spoofed phone numbers to avoid getting banned.
WhatsApp Business Scams
Some businesses use spoofed WhatsApp numbers to avoid revealing their real contact information while scamming customers.
How to Spot a Fake WhatsApp Number
Here are some tips to identify if a WhatsApp number could be fake or spoofed:
– The profile photo looks generic or stolen from somewhere else. Real accounts usually have accurate profile photos.
– The number doesn’t have a profile name or photo. It just uses the phone number.
– You get a verification code request out of the blue for your number. This could mean someone is trying to use your number.
– The message style or language seems very different from the person the number claims to be.
– You get messages about suspicious links, lottery winnings, discounts or other scams.
– The number engages in behavior that violates WhatsApp policies like spamming.
How to Report a Fake WhatsApp Account
If you come across a WhatsApp account using a fake number for scams, you can report it to WhatsApp through these steps:
- Open the chat with the suspicious account.
- Tap on the name/number at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Report Contact.
- Select the issue you want to report for.
- Tap Submit after completing the report.
WhatsApp moderators will investigate the account and take action if found violating policies. Make sure to also warn your contacts about such numbers.
Protecting Yourself from Fake Accounts
Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams by fake accounts on WhatsApp:
- Never click on suspicious links or files sent on WhatsApp, even by known contacts. First verify with the sender if they really sent it.
- Be wary of any lottery or discount offers received through WhatsApp messages.
- Enable two-step verification for your WhatsApp account to prevent hacking.
- Change your privacy settings so only your contacts can see your profile photo and status.
- Be cautious of any numbers not saved in your contacts engaging you in conversation.
- Report any suspicious numbers or chats to WhatsApp right away.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp aims to provide secure messaging through verified numbers, there are ways for scammers to spoof phone numbers on it. This allows them to spread scams, malware and engage in other illegal behavior.
The best way to stay safe is being cautious about any unknown numbers, not clicking suspicious links, enabling two-factor authentication and reporting any fake accounts to WhatsApp. With awareness and vigilance, users can have safe and positive experiences on WhatsApp.