Spam and scam calls on WhatsApp are becoming a growing problem for smartphone users worldwide. Many people now receive frequent calls from unknown international numbers, fake customer support agents, fraudsters, and suspicious contacts trying to trick users into sharing personal information or money.
To help users deal with this issue, WhatsApp already offers a powerful built-in privacy feature called “Silence Unknown Callers.” Once enabled, the feature automatically silences calls from numbers that are not saved in your contacts list, helping users avoid constant disturbances from spam callers.
The feature works on both Android smartphones and iPhones and can significantly improve privacy and security for WhatsApp users.
WhatsApp Scam Calls Are Increasing Rapidly
Over the past few years, cybercriminals and online scammers have increasingly started using WhatsApp for fraudulent calls and scams.
Many users report receiving:
- Fake bank calls
- Lottery scam calls
- International spam calls
- Investment fraud calls
- Impersonation attempts
- Fake customer care calls
In many cases, scammers use unknown international numbers to target users randomly.
Some calls are designed to:
- Steal personal information
- Record user voices
- Spread malware links
- Trick users into financial fraud
Because WhatsApp has billions of active users globally, scammers see the platform as an easy target.
What Is WhatsApp’s “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature?
WhatsApp introduced the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature as an additional privacy protection tool for users who frequently receive suspicious or unwanted calls.
When the feature is activated:
- Calls from unknown numbers will no longer ring loudly on your phone
- Your device will stay silent during such calls
- The missed calls will still appear in the Calls section
- Users can review the call later if needed
This means important unknown calls are not completely blocked, but they also do not disturb users unnecessarily.
The feature is especially useful for people constantly targeted by spam or scam callers.
Main Benefits of the Feature
Stops Constant Spam Call Disturbances
The feature helps reduce interruptions caused by repeated unknown WhatsApp calls.
Improves Privacy and Security
By avoiding direct interaction with suspicious callers, users lower the risk of scams and fraud attempts.
Keeps Important Missed Calls Visible
Even though the calls are silenced, users can still manually check the missed calls later inside WhatsApp.
Works on Android and iPhone
The feature is available for both major smartphone platforms.
Helps Reduce Anxiety From Unknown Calls
Many users feel stressed by repeated spam calls, especially late at night or during work hours. This feature helps create a quieter and safer messaging experience.
How Android Users Can Turn On “Silence Unknown Callers”
Android smartphone users can enable the feature by following these steps:
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
- Open “Settings”
- Tap “Privacy”
- Scroll down and select “Calls”
- Enable “Silence Unknown Callers”
Once activated, calls from unsaved numbers will automatically remain silent.
How iPhone Users Can Enable the Feature
iPhone users can activate the same setting through:
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the “Settings” tab at the bottom
- Open “Privacy”
- Tap “Calls”
- Turn on “Silence Unknown Callers”
After enabling the feature, unknown callers will no longer trigger loud incoming call notifications.
Why This Feature Matters More Today
Online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, and messaging apps are now one of the biggest targets for cybercriminals.
Experts warn that users should remain cautious when receiving:
- Unknown international calls
- Calls requesting OTPs
- Banking verification requests
- Investment offers
- Prize-winning claims
Scammers often attempt to create panic or urgency to manipulate victims quickly.
Using WhatsApp’s privacy settings can reduce exposure to such tactics.
Additional Safety Tips for WhatsApp Users
Apart from enabling “Silence Unknown Callers,” users should also follow these safety practices:
Never Share OTPs or Banking Details
Legitimate companies never ask for sensitive verification codes through WhatsApp calls.
Block Suspicious Numbers Immediately
If a number repeatedly sends spam messages or scam calls, block and report it.
Avoid Clicking Unknown Links
Fraudsters often share malicious links pretending to offer prizes or account verification.
Enable Two-Step Verification
WhatsApp’s two-step verification adds another security layer to user accounts.
Keep WhatsApp Updated
Latest app updates often include security improvements and scam protection tools.
Meta Continues Expanding WhatsApp Privacy Features
WhatsApp owner Meta Platforms has recently introduced several privacy-focused features including:
- Chat lock
- Secret codes
- Screen-sharing protection
- Username-based chats
- Disappearing messages
- Advanced spam filtering
The company appears increasingly focused on improving user security as digital fraud cases continue rising globally.
A Simple Setting That Can Make a Big Difference
Although “Silence Unknown Callers” may look like a small feature, it can dramatically improve the everyday experience of using WhatsApp.
Instead of constantly being interrupted by suspicious calls, users can maintain peace of mind while still checking missed calls manually whenever necessary.
As scam calls continue increasing worldwide, turning on this simple privacy setting could help users avoid unnecessary risks and create a safer communication experience on WhatsApp.
