Increasing Fake international calls on WhatsApp

The proliferation of scam calls has become a significant concern in the digital age, leading to financial losses and privacy breaches for unsuspecting individuals.

It is a modern type of scams on WhatsApp these days involves receiving calls from international numbers. These calls, both audio and video, often originate from countries like Malaysia, Kenya, and Vietnam, as indicated by the ISD codes given. The frequency of these calls is increasing, and many people are understandably concerned about how scammers obtained their phone numbers.

WhatsApp works through a VoIP network, which means that people can make calls from any country without incurring additional charges. This fact has made it easier for scammers to make international calls to unsuspecting users. While most people are flustered when they receive a call from a foreign number, they should not jump to conclusions about the caller's intentions.

Experts says, with this the scammers try to obtain confidential information that they can use to steal money from a user's account. The Scammers even manipulate caller ID information to display a fake number on the recipient's phone, making it appear as if the call is originating from a different country or a trusted entity. Therefore, users must remain vigilant and not reveal any personal information during such calls.

The fraudsters pretend to be technical support representatives from well-known companies. They claim that the recipient's computer or device has a problem and trick them into providing remote access or paying for unnecessary software or services.

It is advised, If you receive a fake international call, do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately. Report the call to your phone company and to the FTC. By taking these steps, you can help to protect yourself from these scams.

In a recent development, WhatsApp has taken a proactive step to combat this menace by banning a staggering 3.6 million mobile connections. After the Government steped in, WhatsApp in tackling fake international calls and shed light on the implications for user safety and privacy.

It is most important you to understand that, just because you receive a call from an international number, it does not necessarily mean that the call's origin is from that country. Nowadays, there are agencies that sell international numbers for WhatsApp calls even if they are in the same city as you.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA