WhatsApp: Stranger number writes: You should do that then
An unknown number can be harmless, but you can also become a victim of a scammer quicker than you think. Read here how to respond correctly to a WhatsApp message from an unknown number.
Many people are confused when an unknown number contacts them on WhatsApp. There are several steps you can take in this situation:
Stranger number writes: This is how you proceed on WhatsApp
- At first, don't be too worried. There doesn't have to be any malicious intent behind the message. Often it is simply a case of mix-up and the sender entered the wrong number.
- If the message contains links or files, be careful. Do not open it or download anything as it may hide viruses.
- If the messages seem strange or disturbing to you, you should ignore the messages and not respond to them. If the number contacts you regularly, you can also block it.
- If you have blocked the number, you don't need to do anything else. She can't write to you now. However, if you want to find out who is behind the news, you can take a closer look.
- Save the number in your phone book and then view the profile picture and status, if available. From this you can tell whether it is someone completely unknown or someone you know.
- If you don't get any helpful information from the picture and status, you can ask the sender what's behind the message. You can also call the number via WhatsApp. However, make sure that you do not call the number via telephone, but only via WhatsApp. Depending on the number, the phone call can quickly become expensive.
Does the sender really know you or is he just pretending to know you?
If the sender claims to know you and only has a new number, be careful. Of course, it is possible that acquaintances change their number. Sometimes fraudsters also try to get your data through this scam.
- Normally it doesn't happen that a new WhatsApp account is created with a new number. Instead, the account will be transferred to a new number. Therefore, it makes sense to be careful with unknown numbers.
- First check the contact's profile picture and status. This may already provide information about the sender.
- Get in touch with the friend who appears to have written to you. Ask if she actually has a new number. If this is not the case, you can block the unknown number.
- Be careful with supposed acquaintances on WhatsApp at first. Do not give out any personal information as, in the worst case scenario, it could be used to blackmail you.
- Even if the unknown number claims to be in financial distress, you should be careful. If the contact allegedly needs money quickly, there could also be a scam behind it. Here, too, you should contact the person who is allegedly behind it using a method other than WhatsApp.
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