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WhatsApp is rolling out a MAJOR update that will make it much harder for scammers to contact you – here’s what you need to know
- WhatsApp today launched a new feature called Silence Unknown Callers
- It automatically filters spam, scams and calls from unknown people
From a message offering a “fridge full of beer” to a hoax claiming to belong to your child, several convincing scams have been circulating on WhatsApp in recent months.
But removing the scams from the legitimate messages is about to get a lot easier.
WhatsApp today launched a new feature called Silence Unknown Callers.
As the name suggests, the tool automatically filters out spam, scams and calls from unknown people on WhatsApp.
Silence Unknown Callers is designed to give you more privacy and control over your incoming calls.
WhatsApp today launched a new feature called Silence Unknown Callers. As the name suggests, the tool automatically filters out spam, scams and calls from unknown people on WhatsApp
Silence Unknown Callers is one of two new updates launching today to improve privacy on WhatsApp.
To activate it, open the WhatsApp app on your phone and tap Settings in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Tap Privacy, then tap Calls. You will now be given the option to enable or disable Silence Unknown Callers.
If you choose to activate this feature, calls from unknown numbers will automatically be muted.
“These calls don’t ring on your phone, but are visible in your call log, in case it turns out to be someone important,” WhatsApp explains.
WhatsApp also launched a new privacy check tool today to make sure everyone is aware of the security options in the app.
The step-by-step feature guides users through the important privacy settings they can activate for their account.
WhatsApp is also launching a new privacy check tool today to make sure everyone is aware of the security options in the app
In the privacy settings, simply select ‘Start auditing’ and you can explore your privacy options.
The new tools are likely to be welcomed by WhatsApp users, many of whom have been inundated with spam calls and messages in recent months.
One user wrote on Twitter: “This scam and spam on WhatsApp is really getting out of hand. How do we make sure it stops!?’
Another added, “Anyone else getting a bunch of WhatsApp spam? There seems to be no other way to stop it than to block any contact that touches me.’
And one joked, “so many bots trying to make me whatsapp so they can scam me, I feel so POPULAR.”