Quick Links
It’s a typical day, and suddenly, a message from an unknown number pops up on your WhatsApp. Maybe it’s a simple “Hi” or a more specific message. Either way, it can be unsettling when you don’t recognize the sender. Before you respond, it’s helpful to know a few steps to check who’s messaging you and whether they’re worth your time or attention.
1 See if You’re Mutuals in a Group
The first thing to check is if you and this person share any mutual WhatsApp groups. When you open the chat with an unknown number, WhatsApp often indicates if you both are members of a shared group at the top of the conversation. This can quickly give you some context.
If they’re from a group you recognize—like a community or work-related group—it’s more likely they’re reaching out for a legitimate reason. In this case, you could scroll through the group chat or even reach out to an admin to confirm who they are. But if you have no groups in common, it’s a good idea to proceed with extra caution.
2 Check Their Profile Picture
Profile pictures can sometimes give clues about a person’s identity. Look at the unknown contact’s display photo, if they have one. A familiar face or setting might help you remember where you know them from. However, be wary if their profile picture is blank, overly generic, or appears overly professional—it could be a sign of a fake profile or spam account.
That said, a profile picture alone doesn’t confirm someone’s identity. Scammers often use innocent-looking images, so treat this as just one of several puzzle pieces, not a guarantee of who they are.
3 Don’t Click on Any Links They Send
If an unknown contact sends you a link, avoid clicking on it until you’re confident about their identity. Malicious websites are one of the most common ways scammers try to compromise devices and steal personal information. Clicking on these links can lead to phishing sites or even initiate downloads of harmful software.
Instead, take a cautious approach. If the message sounds urgent or tempting (like a message claiming you’ve won something or need to verify an account), it’s even more likely to be a scam. Remember, legitimate contacts rarely send unsolicited links without explanation, so steer clear of them until you know more about the person messaging you.
4 Ask Who They Are and How They Got Your Number
If you’re still curious or think the person might be legitimate, it’s okay to ask politely who they are and how they got your number. Keep your message short and straightforward—something like, “Hi, may I know who this is and how you got my number?” This can provide some context and help you judge their intentions.
If they give you a vague or evasive answer, that’s a red flag. Genuine contacts will usually have no problem explaining how they know you or where they got your contact information. On the other hand, scammers or spammers may deflect, provide generic responses, or get pushy. Trust your gut here; if their response doesn’t feel right, it’s best to avoid further interaction.
5 Watch for Common Scam Patterns
Scammers tend to follow certain patterns in their messages. Keep an eye out for signs like unusual urgency, promises of large sums of money, or claims that you’ve won something. Another common WhatsApp scam tactic is impersonation; they may pretend to be a friend, family member, or coworker who “lost their phone” and needs your help.
Look for spelling or grammar errors, overly formal or robotic language, or requests for personal information. Scammers may also try to guilt or pressure you into responding, so stay alert to any attempts at emotional manipulation. Recognizing these patterns early can save you from falling into a trap.
6 Block and Report if Necessary
If you feel uncomfortable or suspect the person might have malicious intent, don’t hesitate to block and report them on WhatsApp. Blocking stops them from messaging or calling you, and reporting helps WhatsApp identify and take action against potential scammers.
To block and report, open the chat, tap on the contact’s name at the top, scroll down, and select Block and Report Contact. This simple step helps protect you and others from potential scams. Remember, it’s better to be safe than to give a stranger the benefit of the doubt when you feel uneasy.
Receiving a message from an unknown person on WhatsApp can be unsettling, but with the right approach, you can handle it safely. By checking if you’re mutuals in a group, reviewing their profile, avoiding suspicious links, and looking for red flags, you can assess their intentions without putting yourself at risk. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to block and report the contact.
