If you have been receiving WhatsApp calls from Indian phone numbers that you do not recognize, you are not alone. Many people worldwide have reported getting mysterious WhatsApp calls from India, even if they do not have any ties to the country. While some of these may be legitimate calls, many are likely scams and robocalls. Here is an overview of why you may be getting these calls and what you can do about them.
They are likely scam calls
The vast majority of unknown WhatsApp calls from India are likely scams and spam calls rather than real contacts trying to reach you. Here are some common scam calls being made from India:
- Tech support scams: Callers claim there is a problem with your computer and ask for remote access or that you install software so they can “fix” non-existent issues.
- IRS/tax scams: Callers threaten you with legal action for supposedly unpaid taxes and demand immediate payment via gift cards or other hard-to-trace means.
- Loan/prize scams: Callers promise you can qualify for loans or have won a contest, but first you need to pay fees or taxes.
- Romance scams: A caller builds rapport by posing as a romantic interest and eventually asks for money.
- Wangiri scam: Your phone rings once but disconnects when you answer. It aims to get you to call back an expensive overseas premium number.
These callers often spoof local numbers or use VOIP technology to make it seem like they are calling from within your country. The calls aim to scare, pressure, or trick you into giving away personal information and money. If you engage with the callers, they can be very persistent and aggressive.
It is often automated robocalls
Along with scam calls made directly by criminals, many of the WhatsApp calls from India are robocalls made autonomously by dialing bots. With automated WhatsApp calling platforms, robocallers can send thousands of calls per minute for an incredibly low cost.
These robocall messages typically start with a pre-recorded introduction aiming to get your attention. Then the call either hangs up or connects you to a call center if you confirm your presence. This allows scammers to filter out non-working numbers and quickly hand live targets over to waiting operators.
Robocalls are illegal in India just like most countries. However, scam call centers often misrepresent themselves as legal marketing companies to access robocalling technology. They then use it for unethical purposes like financial fraud.
India has huge call center operations
India is home to the largest call center industry in the world. By some estimates, over a million Indians work in customer service call centers. Many legitimate global companies outsource telemarketing and tech support services to India.
Unfortunately, India’s massive call center infrastructure is also exploited by scam artists running illegal operations. They set up shop posing as marketing agencies and political campaigners to buy phone numbers and dialing technology.
It is the sheer scale of India’s call center capabilities that enables shady operators to place millions of fraudulent calls around the world. Cheap labor and automation make it profitable even with low success rates.
Tips to avoid answering scam calls from India
Here are some tips to recognize and handle WhatsApp scam calls from India to avoid becoming a victim:
- Be wary of any international calls from numbers you don’t know. Let unknown callers leave a voicemail.
- Never return missed calls that you can’t identify. The number may be a premium rate line.
- Check if the number is on a blacklist of known scam and telemarketer numbers.
- Install a spam call blocking app to automatically identify and block robocalls.
- Don’t answer questions if a dubious caller engages you. Hang up instead.
- Never provide personal information like passwords or financial details to callers.
- Use common sense scrutiny for call scenarios threatening you or requiring upfront fees.
How to stop getting scam calls on WhatsApp
Here are ways to try reducing and blocking WhatsApp scam calls:
- Report the sender as spam/block them so they can’t call again.
- Turn on WhatsApp 2-step verification for added security.
- Remove your WhatsApp number from any public directories.
- Don’t share your WhatsApp number online or with strangers.
- Talk to contacts about not sharing your number without consent.
- Change your WhatsApp number and only share it with trusted individuals.
- Install a third party call blocking app for Android/iOS.
- Notify law enforcement if callers make threats or demand money.
Conclusion
Receiving WhatsApp calls in India can quickly become a disruptive headache. But being aware of the scam call tactics and applying protective measures can help mitigate them. Be very cautious with any unknown callers, don’t engage with suspicious questions, and don’t hesitate to block numbers at the first sign of a scam.