• By Vikas Yadav
  • Mon, 15 May 2023 12:21 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

WHATSAPP has been lately in the news because of the rise in scam calls from international numbers in India. We reported the issue when Jagran employees reported WhatsApp call requests from numbers designated with +251 (Ethiopia), +212 (Morocco), +84 (Vietnam) and other country codes.

While these calls are dialling up the frustration of users on the platform, here are the measures you must remember to avoid being a victim of these spam calls.

Also Read: WhatsApp Scam: Receiving Calls From International Numbers? All You Need To Know About This New Cyber Fraud

Avoid answering video and audio calls from unknown contacts:

While we have scant information from users who might have picked up these video and audio calls, do not answer them. One such instance was shared by Boom Live. Aijaz picked up a video call from an unknown number. Moments after picking up the video call, he received a video message from the same mobile number with doctored footage of him in obscene condition.

Hence, your best bet would be to alter the camera permission of WhatsApp to 'Ask every time' and not answer such unknown requests.

Ignore messages that promise lucrative part-time jobs:

Of late, messages claiming to give away lottery or jobs to users in lew of personal information like bank details and photos are on the rise. Ignore them. Do not click on links in these messages. Further, report them immediately to WhatsApp.

Block and report the user:

If you receive repeated voice and video call requests from familiar numbers, consider blocking them. You can also report the contact to WhatsApp.

Use Two-step verification:

The feature will act as double-layer security for your account. It will ask for a verification code for every new login.

How to set up two-step verification?

Head to the WhatsApp settings, then tap on 'Account'. Hit 'Two-factor verification' and follow the on-screen instructions.

Despite all this, if you get scammed into possible fraud or scam, register your complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal and do not involve in monetary exchanges with the scammer. Meanwhile, reports of users getting duped in part-time job scams on WhatsApp have been making headlines for a while now. You can read the latest instance here.