You were using the WhatsApp app for either a call or texting when an unknown number messaged you. If this is you, then this article is for you.
Sometimes, an unknown number messages you on WhatsApp. This can be quite unnerving because you may not even know where the person got your number from.
In this article, you’ll learn how a stranger can message you on WhatsApp, and see what you can do to prevent it from happening.
How Did A Stranger Message Me On WhatsApp?
If a stranger messaged you on WhatsApp, they likely obtained your phone number from somewhere, either by mistake or intentionally.
Here are some possible ways a stranger could have messaged you on WhatsApp.
Wrong Number
First of all, it may be a wrong number. Whoever texted you may have intended to message someone else and accidentally sent the message to you.
It is also possible that the stranger randomly guessed your phone number or used a computer program to generate phone numbers.
Public Forum
Also, You might have accidentally shared your phone number on a public forum, social media platform, or online directory.
Mutual Friends
The stranger may have also obtained your number from someone else who shared it with them.
Your phone number could have been obtained from a mutual friend or acquaintance who has your contact saved in their phone.
Marketer
The stranger may be a marketer or spammer trying to promote a product or service. And so used a spam service to message you about their new services or products.
Group Messaging
Group messaging could also allow strangers to get your phone number.
The stranger may have taken your number from a group chat without your consent and messaged you.
Use Fake Profile
Lastly, the stranger may have created a fake identity or stolen someone else’s identity to message you.
Note that it’s important to be cautious when receiving messages from strangers on WhatsApp and avoid sharing personal information or conversing with people you don’t know.
How To Prevent Strangers From Messaging You on Whatsapp
If you don’t know the person who messaged you and feel uncomfortable or threatened by their messages, you can take measures to prevent them from messaging you.
Fix 1: Blocking
You can block the contact to prevent them from contacting you again. To do this,
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat window of the person you want to block.
- Tap their name at the top of the chat window to their profile page.
- Scroll down and tap on the Block Contact option.
- Tap on Block to confirm that you wish to block that person.
After you block someone on WhatsApp, they can no longer call or message you on the app.
They also won’t be able to see your profile picture, status updates, or last-seen information.
If you change your mind later and want to unblock the person, simply follow the same steps and tap on Unblock instead.
Fix 2: Two-Step Verification Feature
When strangers message you on WhatsApp, it could lead to hacking.
One way to prevent people from hacking your WhatsApp is to set up two-step verification.
This security feature requires you to enter a six-digit PIN code in addition to your phone number when you sign in to WhatsApp on a new device.
Follow these steps to set up two-step verification on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap on Account, then select Two-step verification.
- Tap Enable, and enter a six-digit PIN code of your choice. You can also enter an email address that can be used to reset your PIN in case you forget it.
- Confirm your PIN code and email address.
Once two-step verification is enabled, you must enter your PIN code every time you register your phone number with WhatsApp, such as when you install the app on a new device.
This provides an extra layer of security to protect your WhatsApp account from unauthorized access.
Fix 3: Adjust your Privacy Settings
To adjust your privacy settings on WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Tap on “Account” and then select “Privacy.”
- Here, you will see several options to adjust your privacy settings, including:
Last Seen: You can choose who can see when you were last active on WhatsApp (Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody).
Profile Photo: You can choose who can see your photo (Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody).
About: You can choose who can see your information (Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody).
Status: You can choose who can see your WhatsApp status updates (Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody).
Blocked Contacts: You can view and manage a list of contacts you have blocked on WhatsApp.
Select the option that you want to change and choose the kind of person you want to see, whether Everyone, only your contacts, or no one at all.
By adjusting these settings, you can control who can see your activity and personal information on WhatsApp and minimize the risk of unwanted contact from strangers.
Conclusion
Sometimes, a stranger or an unknown number messages you on WhatsApp. This can be scary and unnerving but do not worry.
This article has detailed how strangers can message you on WhatsApp and has explained measures you can take to prevent this from happening again.
FAQs On How Did A Stranger Message Me On WhatsApp
How can I prevent strangers from messaging me on WhatsApp?
You can prevent strangers from messaging you on WhatsApp by adjusting your privacy settings, blocking them, and using the two-step verification feature.
What should I do if a stranger messages me on WhatsApp?
If a stranger messages you on WhatsApp, be cautious and avoid sharing personal information. You can block the person or report their message to WhatsApp.
Can a stranger add me to a WhatsApp group without my permission?
Yes, a stranger can add you to a WhatsApp group without your permission if they have your phone number and are the group's admin. However, you can always leave the group or report it to WhatsApp.
