Getting calls from unknown international numbers on WhatsApp can be annoying and raise privacy concerns. Here are some tips to stop receiving these unwanted calls.
Understand why you get these calls
There are a few reasons why you may be getting calls from international numbers you don’t recognize on WhatsApp:
- Scammers often use spoofing technology to mask their real phone number. They make it look like the call is coming from a different country to avoid being blocked.
- Companies you’ve never heard of buy phone number databases and call people trying to sell products or services.
- You may have accidentally left your phone number on a website form, which got sold to third parties.
Regardless of the reason, these unsolicited calls are annoying. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce and stop them.
Adjust your WhatsApp settings
WhatsApp has settings that control who can call and message you. Adjust these to limit calls from strangers:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu.
- Tap Account > Privacy.
- Under Who can add me to groups, select My Contacts.
- Under Who can see my personal info, select My Contacts.
- Under Who can see my last seen, select My Contacts.
With these settings, only people already in your contacts can call you on WhatsApp. This prevents calls from unknown international numbers. You can selectively give trusted friends or family access if needed.
Block specific numbers
If you receive a call from a suspicious international number, you can block that specific number:
- Open the call log in WhatsApp and select the international call.
- Tap Block [number] at the top right.
- Confirm you want to block the number.
Now calls and messages from that number will be blocked. Repeat this for any other international numbers that shouldn’t be calling you.
Enable two-factor authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in WhatsApp for extra security:
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
- Tap Enable.
- Enter a six-digit PIN and confirm it.
- Provide an email address to help reset your PIN if you forget it.
- Tap Next and follow prompts to set up 2FA.
With 2FA, you need to enter your PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp on a new device. This adds an extra layer of protection against unknown users accessing your account.
Avoid clicking unfamiliar links
Some unknown callers try to trick you into clicking a link to steal your personal data. To stay safe:
- Don’t click links in calls or messages from unknown numbers.
- Watch for telltale signs of scam links like odd URLs.
- Enable link previews in WhatsApp to see where links lead before tapping them.
Avoid clicking on any link sent from an unsolicited international number. The link could be malicious or install malware on your device.
Don’t leave your number online
Limit the places where you leave your phone number online. The more it’s out there, the more likely spammers will find it and call you.
- Avoid entering your number on unfamiliar websites and sales forms.
- Be cautious when asked for your number from people you don’t know.
- Check a site’s privacy policy before leaving your number.
Your number may get added to caller databases when you leave it openly online. Reduce this possibility by carefully choosing where to provide your contact information.
Use call screening or blocking tools
Some smartphones have built-in tools that provide additional ways to identify and block unwanted calls:
- Call screening transcribes incoming calls in real-time and lets you accept, deny, or end suspicious calls.
- Automatic call blocking uses algorithms to detect and block robocallers and spam calls.
- Warn of potential spam flags incoming calls that appear risky so you can decide whether to answer.
Turn on any available call protection features in your smartphone settings. This gives you more control over identifying and allowing calls.
Try a call blocking app
If built-in options don’t curb unwanted international calls, try a call blocking app. Popular options include:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Truecaller | Identifies unknown callers, blocks spam calls, allows user reporting of nuisance callers |
| Hiya | Shows risk profiles for incoming calls, filters and blocks spam calls, identifies business calls |
| Mr. Number | Reverse phone lookup, personalized block lists, capability to report spam |
These apps cross-reference unknown numbers against community databases to identify and stop spam. Some offer premium paid versions with more advanced call blocking functionality.
Contact your mobile carrier
Some mobile phone carriers now offer tools to cut down on spam calls and robocalls. Contact your provider to see if they offer any of these protections for customers:
- Network-level blocking of suspected spam calls
- Alerts when an incoming call may be risky
- Options to report spam phone numbers
- Apps or services with advanced call screening features
Your carrier wants to protect customers from nuisance calls so you stay longer. Take advantage of any available call screening or blocking tools they offer specific to your plan.
Report unwanted international calls
You can report suspicious international numbers to help authorities identify and shut down spam operations:
- Report the number to WhatsApp if the caller used the platform.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S.
- Report it to the Do Not Call registry in your country.
- Contact your local telecom regulator about persistent unsolicited calls.
The more people report junk international callers, the better authorities can trace and crack down on illegal calling schemes. Your report could help protect others from receiving the same spam calls.
Never engage with suspicious callers
When receiving an unwanted international call, avoid engaging with the caller at all. Don’t answer or return any calls, messages, or emails sent.
Scammers often use any response to confirm they reached a real person. This puts your number at risk of more spam or phishing attempts.
Conclusion
Unwanted calls from unknown international numbers in WhatsApp can be frustrating and raise security issues. Protect yourself by adjusting app privacy settings, blocking specific callers, and enabling smartphone call screening tools. Report persistent spam callers to help crack down on illegal calling operations. With a multi-step approach, you can take back control of your WhatsApp calls.