What to do when a random person sends you a message on WhatsApp

It’s a typical day and suddenly you get a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number. Maybe it’s a simple “Hello” or a more specific message. In any case, it can be disconcerting when you don’t recognize the sender. Before you reply, 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 are in a group with each other

The first thing to check is whether you and this person share any common WhatsApp groups. When you open a chat with an unknown number, WhatsApp will often indicate at the top of the conversation whether you are both members of a shared group. This can quickly give you some context.

If they’re from a group you know — like a community or work group — they’re more likely to be reaching out for a legitimate reason. In this case, you can browse the group chat or even contact the admin to confirm who they are. But if you don’t have any common groups, it’s a good idea to proceed with extra caution.

2 Look at their profile picture

Profile pictures can sometimes give clues about a person’s identity. Look at the displayed photo of the unknown contact, if they have one. A familiar face or environment can help you remember where you know them from. However, be careful if their profile picture is empty, too generic, or seems too professional – this could be a sign of a fake profile or spam account.

This means that a profile picture alone does not confirm someone’s identity. Scammers often use innocent-looking pictures, so consider this just one of several pieces of the puzzle that isn’t a guarantee of who they are.

3 Do not click on any links they send

If an unknown contact sends you a link, do not click on it until you are sure of their identity. Malicious websites are one of the most common ways fraudsters try to compromise devices and steal personal information. Clicking on these links may lead to phishing sites or even start a malicious software download.

Instead, take a cautious approach. If the message sounds urgent or enticing (like saying you’ve won something or need to verify your account), it’s even more likely to be a scam. Remember that legitimate contacts rarely send unsolicited unsolicited links, so avoid them until you know more about the person sending you the messages.

4 Ask who they are and how they got your number

If you’re still curious or think the person might be legit, it’s okay to politely ask who they are and how they got your number. Keep your message short and to the point – something like, “Hi, may I know who this is and how you got my number?” This can provide some context and help you gauge their intentions.

If they give you a vague or evasive answer, that’s a red flag. Real 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 deviate, give generic answers, or be pushy. Trust your gut here; if their reaction doesn’t seem right, it’s best to avoid further interaction.

5 Watch for common fraud patterns

Scammers tend to follow certain patterns in their messages. Watch for signs such as unusual urgency, promises of large sums of money, or claims that you have won something. Another common WhatsApp scam tactic is impersonation; they can pretend to be a friend, family member or co-worker who has “lost their phone” and needs your help.

Look for spelling or grammatical errors, overly formal or robotic language, or requests for personal information. Scammers may also try to blame or pressure you into responding, so be alert to any attempts at emotional manipulation. Early recognition of these patterns can save you from falling into the trap.

6 Block and report if necessary

If you don’t feel well or suspect that the person might have malicious intentions, don’t hesitate to block them and report them on WhatsApp. Blocking prevents them from sending messages or calling you, and reporting helps WhatsApp identify and take action against potential scammers.

To block and report a chat, open the chat, tap the contact’s name at the top, scroll down and select Block and Report a 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’re feeling uneasy.

Receiving a message from a stranger on WhatsApp can be unnerving, but with the right approach, you can handle it safely. By checking if you are companions in the group, checking their profile, avoiding suspicious links and looking for warning signs, you can judge their intentions without putting yourself at risk. If anything bothers you, don’t hesitate to block the contact and report it.