How to handle spam international calls on WhatsApp? Meta explains

WhatsApp users are receiving fraud calls from different international numbers which raises serious privacy concerns. Here is how you can tackle this.

There are an increasing number of users complaining about receiving spam WhatsApp calls with international codes such as +237 (Cameroon, Africa), +84 (Vietnam), +251 (Ethiopia, Africa), and +62 (Indonesia). It is not clear who is behind these calls, but WhatsApp has recommended users to block and report these numbers.

WhatsApp users are complaining increasing frequency of spam international calls.

Users complain WhatsApp spam calls

Richa Shah, a student based in Ahmedabad, says she has received WhatsApp audio calls from international numbers originating from countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, even though she has hardly shared her WhatsApp number on any online platform. “I immediately reject and block calls from these numbers; so far, I've blocked 10, but it is still distressing,” she adds.

“Earlier, many times I would get sweet-talking messages like ‘What are you doing, honey?’ I never responded to them,” shares Sandeep Babal, a brand consultant, adding, “But now, how to deal with calls that one could pick up even by mistake when in the middle of work?” says Babal.

WhatsApp recommends blocking and reporting the numbers

WhatsApp has suggested to block and report these suspicious calls. In a statement, the instant messaging app's spokesperson said, “At WhatsApp, the safety of our users is at the core of everything we do and we have devoted efforts to empower users with resources and tools that equip them to safeguard themselves from scams."

"Blocking and Reporting suspicious messages/ calls is an important step to effectively combat scams and when users receive calls from unknown international or domestic phone numbers, WhatsApp provides a convenient way to block and report suspicious accounts. It is important to report these accounts to WhatsApp so that we can take the required action against them and ban them from the platform."

The social media app led by Mark Zuckerberg recommends that users keep their personal details visible only to their contacts by using WhatsApp's privacy controls, in order to safeguard their account against bad actors.

WhatsApp adds they have ramped up AI & ML systems to bring down such incidents.

"Our new enforcement will reduce the current calling rate by at least 50% and we expect to be able to control the current incidence effectively. We will continue to work relentlessly towards ensuring a safe experience for our users."