If you’re one of the many people who’ve been targeted by scam WhatsApp numbers, you might be wondering: How to identify fake WhatsApp number?
From reverse phone lookup tools to checking the country code, there are several ways to spot a WhatsApp scammer. In this blog, we’ll explore 7 methods and offer effective WhatsApp tips to protect your privacy. Let’s get started!
How to Identify a Fake WhatsApp Number?
There are a few steps to take to identify a fake Whatsapp number:
1. Look for a Suspicious or International Number
Be cautious of numbers that seem international or unusual for the context of your conversation. Scammers often pose as foreigners with fake numbers.
Note: Some apps let people create temporary phone numbers. These numbers might have unusual prefixes (the first few digits after the country code) that differ from regular phone lines.
2. Check Personal Data Like Profile Picture or Status
Legitimate WhatsApp users typically have profile pictures, names, and about sections filled out.
If the user provides minimal personal data, it may be a sign of a fake account.
Be cautious of profiles using stock photos as legit users normally put their own pics on their profiles.
It’s worth mentioning that fake accounts on WhatsApp often have a generic status message like “Hey there! I am using WhatsApp.”
3. Use Reverse Phone Number Lookup
If you’re still unsure, consider using reverse phone number lookup websites or apps to check the identity of the number.
These tools allow you to search for information about a person or business using their phone number. Instead of looking up a phone number by name, you do the reverse: enter the number and see what details pop up.
Some popular fake WhatsApp number trackers include Information.com, TrueCaller, US Search, Spy Dialer (only U.S.-based numbers), and TruthFinder.
Click if you want to find out How To Know If Someone Freeze Last Seen on WhatsApp?
How to Trace Fake WhatsApp Number Using a Reverse Phone Lookup?
Reverse phone lookup services search through phone directories, public records, and private company databases to find information about a number.
These sources may include phone books, official documents, and spam reports, helping you identify who owns the number. Here are the steps to use a fake WhatsApp number tracker:
Step 1: Go to a fake WhatsApp number tracker website. We chose Numlookup.com, for example.
Step 2: Enter the WhatsApp number you want to verify and tap ‘Search’.
Then, you can view the report including phone carrier.
4. Call the Number From a Private Line
Looking to know how to identify a fake WhatsApp number easily? Try calling the number privately!
You can hide your number by dialing a code before making the call (e.g., *67 in the US).
Suspicious signs include calls not going through, the user not answering despite being online, or someone else picking up the call.
However, calling from a private line is not always the best option. Scammers can sometimes use techniques to mask their true identity or avoid answering calls.
5. Ensure the country code matches their location
One of the best ways to identify fake WhatsApp number, is to check the country code. For example, if someone claims to be in India but uses a UK phone number, be cautious.
Some apps offer fake numbers with country codes like +1 (US) and +44 (UK). If you’re not in these countries and see these codes, it may indicate a fake number.
6. Verify Identity through Known Contacts
If someone on WhatsApp claims to be a friend or family member, but you’re unsure if the number is real, verify their identity by reaching out through a method you already trust.
For example, call their usual phone number, send an email, or message them on another app where you regularly talk. This helps confirm if it’s truly them or a scammer using a fake WhatsApp number.
If they don’t respond through these known channels or deny contacting you on WhatsApp, the number is likely fake.
7. Verify the Number with Other Social Media Accounts
Genuine users often link their phone number with social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Fake numbers are usually not connected to real social media accounts.
Try searching for the number on Google or social media platforms. If nothing comes up or the results seem off, the number might be fake.
How to Protect Your Data on WhatsApp From Scammers
WhatsApp is considered to be a safe messaging app, but you can still try to double-protect your data by taking a few steps:
Read more: All the Reasons Why WhatsApp Pictures Disappear and Reappear
1. Limit Account Information to Contacts
To prevent scammers from using your information, restrict your account details to be visible only to your contacts:
- Go to WhatsApp settings > Privacy.
- Set “Last Seen” and “Online” to be visible to “My Contacts.”
- Restrict your profile picture, about section, and status to be visible to “My Contacts.”
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Do not share personal information, such as names, images, videos, or files, with WhatsApp numbers you do not recognize.
3. Report and Block Suspicious Numbers
If you suspect a WhatsApp number is fake or involved in fraudulent activities, report and block the number:
- Open the chat with the suspicious number.
- Tap the chat’s name at the top.
- Scroll down and select “Report [name].”
- Check the “Block contact and delete chat” box, then tap “Report.”
4. Be Cautious with Unsolicited Requests
Avoid engaging with unsolicited requests for money, personal information, or any suspicious activities. Verify such requests independently before taking any action.
Click if you want to know How to Tag Everyone in a WhatsApp Group Chat at Once
How to Track a Scammer on WhatsApp Personally?
First of all, please be cautious when doing this. Here are ways to track a scammer on WhatsApp personally:
1. Utilizing Cybersecurity Measures
Begin your quest to track down a scammer on WhatsApp by meticulously gathering online information about them.
Collect details such as their name, email address, phone number, and any suspicious links or messages they’ve sent in their attempts to deceive.
Once you’ve compiled this essential data, you can proceed to report the scammer to your country or city’s cyber security authorities.
2. Leveraging Reverse Phone Lookup Services
Scammers often employ stolen phone numbers in their fraudulent activities.
However, if the scammer is using their personal phone number, you have a valuable opportunity to uncover their identity.
By employing a reverse phone lookup service, you can potentially unveil the scammer’s name or address, aiding you in your efforts to track them on WhatsApp.
3. Using GEO Finder for Location Tracking
For pinpointing a scammer’s whereabouts, consider harnessing the power of a GEO Finder application.
Simply dispatch the scammer’s phone number to the app via an SMS message over the GPRS network.
Within a mere 15 minutes, this tool can trace the precise location associated with the provided phone number, significantly advancing your efforts to locate and apprehend the scammer.
How to Avoid a Scammer on WhatsApp?
Scammers can be found in every social media these days, and WhatsApp is no exception.
If you have been scammed through this messaging app and if you’re wondering how to track a scammer on WhatsApp, it’s crucial to proceed cautiously while prioritizing your safety. Here are some steps to follow:
- Avoid Interaction: The first step in learning how to track a scammer on WhatsApp is not engaging with them. Do not respond to their messages or provide personal information.
- Blocking the Scammer: Block the scammer’s WhatsApp number to prevent further contact.
- Report the Contact: WhatsApp provides a reporting feature. In your chat with the suspected scammer, tap on their name, scroll down, and select “Report.”
- Gather Evidence: gather evidence, Take screenshots or save conversations as proof of the scammer’s activity.
- Engage Law Enforcement: If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. Share the evidence you’ve gathered as part of your process of tracking a scammer on WhatsApp.
- Educate Yourself: Knowing how to track a scammer on WhatsApp is valuable, but prevention is key. Educate yourself on common WhatsApp scams and phishing attempts to avoid future encounters.
Remember, tracking a scammer on WhatsApp can be complex due to its end-to-end encryption.
To effectively track and apprehend scammers, cooperation with law enforcement and relevant authorities is often necessary.
FAQs on How to Identify Fake WhatsApp Number
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Identifying fake WhatsApp number:
1. Can Police Trace Fake WhatsApp Numbers?
Yes, law enforcement agencies can trace fake WhatsApp numbers through legal processes by obtaining user information from WhatsApp, telecommunication companies, and internet service providers (ISP). However, individuals do not have access to these resources, so it’s essential to take precautionary measures to protect yourself.
2. How can I know a fake number for WhatsApp?
Check for suspicious or unusual signs, limited profile data, and use reverse lookup if in doubt.
3. How Can I Find Fake Number Details?
Use reverse phone lookup services to verify a number’s identity.
4. How Did a Stranger Get My Number on WhatsApp?
It’s possible they obtained it through various means, so be cautious with unknown contacts.
5. How to Identify Fake WhatsApp Messages?
Look for unusual requests, poor grammar, and verify information with trusted sources before taking any action.
6. How to Check Fake Photo on WhatsApp?
You can use reverse image search tools like Google Images to see if the photo appears elsewhere on the internet, which may indicate if it’s fake or genuine.
Final Thoughts
We hope that we have given you enough useful information on how to trace fake WhatsApp numbers.
In a world where digital communication plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, safeguarding your online presence becomes paramount.
Our journey through this blog has equipped you with valuable insights on how to identify fake WhatsApp numbers and protect your privacy.
Remember, your online security matters. By staying vigilant and following the guidelines shared here, you can enjoy the benefits of WhatsApp while keeping scammers and impostors at bay.