It’s an ordinary day when, out of nowhere, a message from an unknown number appears in your WhatsApp. It might simply say “Hi” or feature a more detailed message. Regardless, it can be a bit alarming when the sender isn’t familiar. Before you hit reply, it’s beneficial to follow a few steps to figure out who’s reaching out to you and if they deserve your time and attention.
1 Check for Mutual Group Connections
The first step is to find out if you and the sender share any mutual groups on WhatsApp. When you access a chat from an unfamiliar number, WhatsApp usually alerts you if you both belong to the same group at the top of the conversation. This can offer you valuable context quickly.
If the sender is from a group you recognize—like a community organization or work-related group—it’s likely they have a legitimate reason for messaging you. In such cases, you might want to take a look through the group chat or even contact an admin to confirm their identity. However, if there are no mutual groups, it’s wise to be more cautious.
2 Examine Their Profile Picture
Profile pictures can sometimes offer hints about someone’s identity. Check the display photo of the unknown contact, if they have one. A familiar face or setting could jog your memory about who they might be. However, be cautious if their picture is missing, overly generic, or looks too professional—it may indicate a fake account or spam.
That being said, don’t rely solely on a profile picture to determine someone’s identity. Fraudsters often use innocent-looking photos, so consider this just one of many clues, not a definitive answer.
3 Do Not Click on Any Links They Send
Should an unknown contact send you a link, avoid clicking on it until you’re sure about their identity. Malicious websites are a common tactic used by scammers to infiltrate devices and steal private information. Clicking on these links could lead to phishing sites or even download harmful software.
Instead, adopt a cautious approach. If the message seems urgent or tempting (for instance, if it claims you’ve won a prize or need to verify an account), it’s likely a scam. Remember, legitimate contacts usually don’t send unsolicited links without context, so it’s best to ignore them until you know more about the person who messaged you.
4 Inquire About Their Identity and How They Found Your Number
If you still have questions or think the person could be genuine, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask them politely who they are and how they obtained your number. Keep it brief with a message like, “Hi, may I know who this is and how you got my number?” This can help you understand their intentions better.
If they respond vaguely or avoid the question, that’s a red flag. Someone legitimate will easily explain how they know you or where they got your contact information. Conversely, scammers may dodge the question or pressure you for a response. Trust your instincts; if the reply feels off, it’s safer to end the conversation.
5 Look Out for Common Scam Behavior
Scammers often employ predictable tactics in their outreach. Watch for signs like creating a sense of urgency, offering large sums of money, or suggesting that you’ve won something. Another common scheme involves impersonating someone you might know, claiming they’ve lost their phone and need your assistance.
Be mindful of spelling or grammatical mistakes, overly formal or robotic communication, and requests for personal details. Scammers may even use guilt or emotional pressure to elicit responses, so stay alert for any signs of manipulation. Identifying these patterns early on can protect you from potential traps.
6 Block and Report as Needed
If you feel uncomfortable or suspect malicious intent, don’t hesitate to block and report the contact on WhatsApp. Blocking prevents them from messaging or calling you, while reporting informs WhatsApp to take potential action against scammers.
To block and report someone, open the chat, tap on the contact’s name at the top, scroll down, and select Block and then Report Contact. Taking this step helps safeguard both yourself and others from possible scams. It’s wise to prioritize your safety rather than give a stranger the benefit of the doubt when something feels off.
Receiving a message from an unidentified person on WhatsApp can be unsettling, but by following these guidelines, you can handle the situation safely. By checking for mutual group connections, examining their profile, avoiding suspicious links, and remaining vigilant for red flags, you can gauge their intentions without putting yourself at risk. If anything seems amiss, don’t hesitate to block and report the contact.