WhatsApp is a popular messaging app with 2 billion downloads worldwide. WhatsApp has to verify the user’s phone number, but many people intentionally use free sims or fake phone numbers to fake with bad purposes. So how to recognize fake phone numbers on WhatsApp? Join us to learn 4 warning signs about fake phone numbers on WhatsApp and how to recognize them!
Section 1 of 2: How can I detect a fake phone numbers on WhatsApp
1
They need to already be in your contacts if they claim to be a member of your family or a friend.
It may be a scam if someone calls you on an unknown number and poses as someone you know, especially if they say they’ve misplaced their phone and need money to acquire a new one. The dark web is a common source for phone numbers and names of family members and associates that scammers use to defraud WhatsApp users. If a known individual tries to contact you on WhatsApp using a different number:
To verify that the person texting you on WhatsApp is actually them, call or text them directly using their real phone number.
So that you can verify that the individual is who they say they are, ask them to video chat with you.
2
Perform a reverse phone lookup.
Depending on the mobile number, you might be able to learn more about the owner by conducting a reverse lookup online. For landlines, reverse lookups often function better, although mobile information is now more accessible.
Just be aware that information will be sparse and maybe inaccurate as to a person’s actual location if they are utilizing a VoIP number from a service like Google Voice or Burner.
To track down a phone number in any nation, use https://www.zlookup.com. The service is totally free, and it even lets you know which mobile provider the number is associated with.
Use https://thatsthem.com to locate a mobile or landline number in the US. Even the physical addresses connected to the phone number can be found on this website.
Searching for the phone number on Google with and without the country code is another option. The phone number can even be included on a website that alerts visitors to potential scammers!
3
Verify that their country code corresponds to where they reside.
Be cautious, for instance, if the person you’re speaking to claims to be from India yet their phone number is from the UK. Although there are various reasons why someone can have a phone number from a nation other than the one they live in, if you already have any doubts about the person’s identity, this should be yet another red flag.
Numerous apps exist that let users generate fictitious or temporary SMS phone numbers that may be used to sign up for WhatsApp.
The +1 (US) and +44 (UK) country numbers are frequently used in these apps, though they may have country codes from all around the world. If you see one of these country codes and you are not in the US or the UK, someone may be using a phony phone number from one of those nations.
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Use a private line to dial the number.
Whether you’re still unsure about a person’s WhatsApp profile’s phone number, you can call it (from your phone, not through voice chat on WhatsApp) and see if someone picks up. You can use a blocking code on a landline or disguise your phone number in the settings of your Android or iPhone to keep the call private.
Section 2 of 2: Defend Yourself from WhatsApp Scammers
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Don’t divulge any private or personal information.
Be careful what you share with others on the app, even if they are someone in your contacts. The fraudster may try to obtain information from you next if one of your contacts falls for a WhatsApp scam that allows a third party to access their account. Never send anyone on WhatsApp your private images, videos, data, or voicemails without thinking it through first.
2
Avoid talking with unknown phone numbers.
Make sure the phone number you are given matches the one you have for the person in your phone contacts, even if they claim to be someone you know. Do not accept the person’s word for it if you believe the new phone number to be theirs; instead, request a phone call or video chat from them to establish their identification.
3
Keep your profile and personal data private to those in your contacts.
While it is not possible to prevent all non-contacts from sending you messages, you can simply keep outsiders from knowing when you are online on the app by hiding your statuses, last seen, about, and profile photo from non-contacts.
In WhatsApp, click the three dots at the top (Android only).
Toggle between Settings > Account > Privacy (Android and iPhone).
Choose Last Seen and either My Contacts or Nobody as the recipient.
For the profile picture, about, status, and groups, repeat the process.
4
Report suspicious activity, spam, fraud, and phishing attempts to WhatsApp.
If you think someone is trying to con you, you should report them to WhatsApp so they can’t con someone else. On WhatsApp, you can report a user:
In the chat window, tap the phone number.
Press Block Contact.
Select Report Contact.
Click Block and Report.
In summary the article gave fake phone number signs on WhatsApp. Hope the article has brought you useful information and avoid being scammed on WhatsApp. Don’t forget to visit our website and leave your questions related to WhatsApp in the comment box below!
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