Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about those annoying scam calls coming in on WhatsApp, especially from numbers starting with the +62 country code—that’s Indonesia, in case you didn’t know. These scammers are targeting unsuspecting folks with promises of easy jobs or quick cash, all while fishing for personal details or getting you to pay upfront. I want to share some insights that will help you recognize these scams, steer clear of them, and keep your information safe. Trust me, it’s easier than you think if you know what to look for.
Key Takeaways
- Never pick up calls from numbers you don’t recognize, especially with the +62 country code.
- Block and report suspicious contacts on WhatsApp immediately.
- Adjust your privacy settings to limit unwanted contact.
- Use features like ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ for added safety.
- Stay informed about new scam tactics—knowledge is power.
Understanding the +62 Country Code
What is the +62 Country Code?
Alright, so +62 is Indonesia. But unfortunately, some sneaky folks are using it to run scams. They’ll offer jobs or random small tasks for cash but ask for a fee upfront. And once they’ve got your money? Poof—they vanish. It’s frustrating, and I’ve heard enough stories from people who’ve fallen for it to know that these guys can be really convincing.
Why Scammers Love the +62 Code
Scammers use the +62 code because it seems legit enough to get people’s attention. It’s all about tricking you with a sense of familiarity. Some of the tactics they’ve been using include:
- Fake Jobs: Promises of a good part-time gig, but you need to pay a joining fee.
- YouTube Likes for Cash: Sounds easy, but it’s just bait.
- Sending Small Payments First: To get your trust—classic move.
If you see a call or message from a number with +62, your safest bet is to ignore it. No need to risk it when there’s no real reward.
Recognizing Fraudulent WhatsApp Calls
Signs of a Scam Call
If you’re anything like me, you hate getting spam calls. And with these scammers, the tactics are pretty predictable. Here’s how you can spot them:
- The caller’s a little too friendly, or even worse, pushy.
- They start asking for personal info right off the bat.
- There’s no clear reason why they’re contacting you—no context, just random chat.
Look, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up. It’s better to seem rude than to end up scammed.
Examples of Fraudulent Calls
Here are a few scenarios that scammers use:
- Fake Job Offers: Asking for details like your address or ID.
- Prize Scams: “Congratulations, you’ve won… but you need to pay a fee first.”
- Tech Support Scams: Telling you your device has a problem (which it doesn’t).
If a call seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verification is your best friend here. Ask questions, look up the number online, or call the company back using their official contact info.
Blocking and Reporting Suspicious Numbers
How to Block a Number on WhatsApp
Blocking these scammers is super easy, and you’ll feel better knowing you won’t hear from them again. Here’s what you do:
- Open the chat with the number.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right.
- Choose ‘More,’ then ‘Block.’ Done.
Reporting a Number to WhatsApp
Once you’ve blocked the number, report it to help WhatsApp fight back against these scams:
- After blocking, tap those three dots again.
- Choose ‘Report’ this time, and confirm it.
And for good measure—never interact with links sent by strangers. This kind of vigilance goes a long way in keeping your phone and data secure.
Using WhatsApp Privacy Settings to Stay Safe
Adjusting Privacy Settings
One of the best moves you can make is adjusting your privacy settings. Here’s how I’ve set mine up for maximum peace of mind:
- Go into Settings, then Privacy.
- Decide who can see your Profile Picture, Status, and Last Seen—I set mine to ‘My Contacts’ only.
Limiting Who Can Add You to Groups
This one’s a must, especially if you’ve been added to weird groups before:
- Privacy > Groups > Set it to ‘My Contacts.’
Enabling Two-Step Verification
This adds a PIN for extra security. It’s just another layer between your information and the scammers out there:
- Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
These tweaks take just a few minutes but can really boost your account’s security.
Why Ignoring Unknown Calls is Smart
The Risks of Answering Unknown Numbers
When I first started getting these calls, I’d answer out of curiosity. Bad idea. Not only does it make you a target for more calls, but interacting—even answering—shows them that your number is active. Here’s why you shouldn’t engage:
- More Spam: Once they know you’re real, you’ll get even more junk.
- Extracting Personal Info: They might trick you into giving away details without realizing it.
- Costly Mistakes: Responding to certain numbers might even cost you money.
Safe Practices for Dealing with Unknown Contacts
- Don’t pick up.
- Don’t respond to weird messages.
- Block and report. Always.
It’s really that simple. It might feel strange to ignore calls, but it’s for your own safety.
Activating Silence Unknown Callers Feature
How to Enable Silence Unknown Callers
This feature is a game-changer. It keeps random calls from interrupting your day:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Settings > Privacy.
- Scroll to Calls, and toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
Why This is Worth It
After enabling this, my phone stopped buzzing constantly from weird calls. It’s quieter, and I’m only getting important calls now.
Staying Informed About Scams
Common Types of Scams
Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the less likely you are to get scammed. Some scams to watch out for:
- Job Scams: Where you pay upfront for a fake job.
- Link Clicking Scams: Messages that lead you to sketchy sites.
- Prize Scams: They dangle a reward but want you to pay a “processing fee.”
Real-Life Examples
I’ve heard of people losing money just by trusting someone who promised to pay them for liking videos. And there’s the classic “You’ve won a gift card!” scam. Always be suspicious of anything that sounds too easy or too rewarding.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding Scam Calls
At the end of the day, the best way to stay safe is to remain skeptical. These scam calls, especially from +62 numbers, are designed to catch you off guard. Block them, report them, and don’t engage. If you follow these steps, your WhatsApp experience will be a lot safer. And remember, sharing what you learn with friends and family can protect them too—knowledge truly is our best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the +62 country code stand for?
The +62 country code is for Indonesia. Lately, it’s been used a lot by scammers to trick people.
How can I stop receiving WhatsApp calls from the +62 code?
Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers with +62. Instead, block and report them.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious WhatsApp call?
Don’t engage with them. Block the number, and report it to WhatsApp right away.
How can I adjust my WhatsApp privacy settings?
Go to Settings > Privacy, and adjust the settings to control who can see your information.
Why is it risky to answer calls from unknown numbers?
It lets scammers know your number is active, which makes you a target for more scams.
What is the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature?
It lets you mute calls from numbers that aren’t in your contacts, keeping away spam.
How can I protect my personal information on WhatsApp?
Keep your details private. Don’t share personal info with unknown contacts, and always use the privacy settings.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
Change your passwords, contact your bank, and report it to the authorities immediately.
