Many WhatsApp users may be unaware that the app includes a distinct indicator for frequently forwarded messages. When a message has been sent five times, you'll notice a double arrow icon instead of the single arrow that normally indicates a forwarded message. In addition, the message box itself will display a warning stating that the message has been "forwarded many times."
Frequently-forwarded messages typically the same content forwarded multiple times, often by different users, and can range from harmless memes or jokes to more serious and potentially dangerous messages.
One of the primary concerns with frequently-forwarded messages is the spread of misinformation. Many of these messages contain false or misleading information, which can be harmful to individuals, communities, and even countries. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous false claims and conspiracy theories were spread through frequently-forwarded messages on WhatsApp, leading to panic, confusion, and misinformation.
Another issue with frequently-forwarded messages is the potential for them to be used for phishing scams or other types of fraud. Hackers and scammers often use these messages to trick users into providing personal information, clicking on malicious links, or downloading harmful software.
Moreover, frequently-forwarded messages, even if they are just harmless memes, can be annoying and overwhelming, clogging up users' inboxes with irrelevant content and making it harder to find important messages.
Overall, it's important to be cautious and critical of frequently-forwarded messages on WhatsApp. Users should take the time to verify any information before sharing them, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments, and report any spam or suspicious messages to WhatsApp.
2. Unrecognized Numbers
Unrecognized numbers are one of the most common indicators of WhatsApp spam messages. These messages are often sent by unknown or unfamiliar numbers and can be particularly harmful if not recognized and dealt with properly.
Spammers often use unfamiliar numbers to send promotional messages, phishing attempts, or other fraudulent activities. These messages can contain links to malicious websites or downloads that can compromise the user's device, steal sensitive information, or install malware.
Furthermore, spammers can use unknown numbers to impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals and trick users into providing personal or financial information. This is known as social engineering, and it can be particularly effective if the user is unaware of the warning signs of a potential scam.
3. Login Requests
Always be wary of messages that ask you to enter your login credentials or click on a link to a login page. The danger with these messages is that they can be part of a phishing attack, designed to trick users into giving away their personal information. If a user enters their login details on a fake login page, the attacker can steal their information and use it for malicious purposes, such as accessing the user's WhatsApp account, stealing sensitive data, or even identity theft.
Moreover, once the attacker gains access to the user's account, they may use it to send spam messages to the user's contacts or spread malware or viruses. This can further compromise the user's privacy and security.
It is important to note here that WhatsApp will never ask users to enter their login credentials via a message or link. Legitimate login requests are always made through the official WhatsApp application or website. Therefore, users should be cautious of any message that asks for their login details and should never provide this information unless they are certain that it's a genuine request.
Also, remember that WhatsApp offers two-factor authentication (2FA) as an additional layer of security to help protect users' accounts. With 2FA enabled users will need to enter a six-digit PIN when logging into their account, which is different from their regular login credentials. This helps prevent unauthorized access, even if someone obtains the user's login details.
The 2FA messages will never arrive on WhatsApp. Instead, users will receive the code through an SMS or voice call to the WhatsApp phone number. This is because WhatsApp does not send messages or make calls as part of the 2FA process, as this could potentially compromise the security of the user's account. By enabling 2FA and using a strong, unique PIN, users can significantly enhance the security of their WhatsApp accounts.
4. Spelling Errors
Spelling errors can be a reliable way to identify WhatsApp spam messages. These errors can range from minor typos to major grammatical mistakes, and they are often present in messages designed to deceive or mislead the recipient.
Spammers may use spelling errors intentionally to avoid detection by spam filters or to create a sense of authenticity. They may also use common misspellings of popular words or phrases to trick the user into thinking the message is genuine.
However, these errors can also serve as red flags for discerning users. Many legitimate messages are carefully crafted and edited, and they are unlikely to contain spelling or grammatical errors. By paying attention to these mistakes, users can quickly distinguish between legitimate messages and spam.
Furthermore, users should be wary of messages containing excessive capitalization or exclamation marks, as these can also indicate a spam message. Spammers often use these tactics to create a sense of urgency or excitement and encourage the recipient to take immediate action.
5. Urgent Time Limits
One of the most common tactics used by scammers to trick users into falling for their scams is creating a sense of urgency. This urgency can be created through messages that contain time-sensitive language or threaten dire consequences if the user does not act immediately (examples include a “WhatsApp upgrade” or a “WhatsApp expiration” warning).
If you receive a message on WhatsApp that urges you to act quickly, it is critical to pause and think before clicking on any links or sharing any personal information. Scammers often use these strategies to pressure users into making impulsive decisions without fully understanding the consequences.
One way to recognize urgent spam messages is to look out for exaggerated or unrealistic time limits. For example, a message may claim that you have only a few minutes to act before a special offer expires, or that you must respond within a certain timeframe to avoid penalty.
If you receive a message like this, take a step back and consider the situation. Does the urgency seem legitimate? Is there any evidence to support the claims being made? In most cases, urgent time limits are a sure-shot way of identifying a spam message, and clicking on any suspicious links or sharing personal information should be avoided at all costs. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your personal data and online security.
Related: Stop WhatsApp from Eating Up Your Phone's Memory
What else can you do to stop spam texts on WhatsApp?
Here are some quick tips to prevent spam messages from cluttering your inbox:
1. Report spam: When you receive a spam message, report it to WhatsApp by tapping on the three dots in the corner of the chat and selecting "Report." This helps WhatsApp identify and block spammers.
2. Restrict who can add you to groups: By changing your group privacy settings, only people in your contacts list can add you to a group, preventing strangers from adding you to spam groups. There are three options available: Everyone, My Contacts, and My Contacts Except. To enable it, navigate to Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups.
3. Activate your phone's built-in spam filter: Most smartphones have a built-in spam filter that can automatically identify and block spam messages. Check your phone's settings to enable this feature.
4. Use a third-party spam filter app: There are a number of third-party spam filter apps available, such as NomoRobo or RoboKiller, that can help you filter and block spam messages on WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.
