Question:

Could you provide guidance on how to handle unsolicited WhatsApp notifications for verification codes that I haven’t requested, coupled with receiving strange calls from various international country codes? It’s becoming quite bothersome and perplexing, especially since I’m not actually receiving the expected notifications.

Answer:

In the digital age, receiving unsolicited notifications and calls can be more than just an annoyance; it can be a sign of potential security issues. If you’re experiencing a barrage of WhatsApp notifications for verification codes you didn’t request, along with strange calls from international numbers, here are some steps you can take to address the situation:

First and foremost, ensure that your WhatsApp account is secure. Check your two-step verification settings to make sure they’re active. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, requiring a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again.

2. Update Your Privacy Settings:

Adjust your WhatsApp privacy settings to limit who can see your information and contact you. You can control who sees your last seen, profile photo, about, status, and more.

3. Report and Block Suspicious Contacts:

If you receive messages from unknown contacts, use the ‘Report’ and ‘Block’ features on WhatsApp. Reporting helps WhatsApp investigate the issue, while blocking prevents the number from contacting you again.

4. Be Cautious of Scams:

Be aware that these notifications could be part of a scam. Scammers might be trying to access your WhatsApp account by triggering the verification process. Never share your verification code with anyone.

5. Contact Your Service Provider:

For the strange international calls, reach out to your phone service provider. They may offer services to block international calls or numbers that are not in your contacts.

6. Change Your Number:

If the problem persists and becomes unmanageable, consider changing your phone number. Before doing so, inform your contacts and back up your data.

7. Stay Informed:

Keep up-to-date with the latest security practices and potential threats. Being informed is your first line of defense against digital intrusions.

Remember, staying vigilant and proactive about your digital security is crucial. By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from unwanted intrusions and maintain your peace of mind.