Are you unsure whether to block an account that has lately contacted you, or wondering how to identify potentially harmful WhatsApp accounts? Maybe they are not who they say they are. These are some of the reasons you need to learn how to identify fake WhatsApp numbers as soon as possible.
WhatsApp, as a Meta app, does whatever it can to hold back fake accounts from entering its domain. However, it is not enough. There will always be these accounts, and you need to know about them and even more WhatsApp tips to protect your data. So, let’s start and find out the solution to this problem.
Why Do Scammers use Fake WhatsApp Accounts?
WhatsApp is super popular, and it is not surprising that scammers are using WhatsApp to connect with possible victims. Regrettably, it appears that this kind of crime has increased recently. As you can read in the BBC article, WhatsApp has deleted around 6.8m accounts linked to scams in the first half of 2025.
This alone shows how these methods are popular for scammers and how Meta is responding to them. However, it is always useful to identify fake numbers to prevent any scams.
How to Identify a Fake WhatsApp Number?
Now, let’s dive deep and learn how to track a scammer on WhatsApp. There are a few steps to take to identify a fake WhatsApp number:
1. Be Cautious About International Numbers
Be cautious of numbers that seem international or unusual for the context of your conversation. Scammers often pose as foreigners with fake numbers.
For example, a scammer can get a phony UK number and message you on WhatsApp about a scholarship, a job, or a product that is on sale. They will behave as though they are foreigners, even in the way they speak. Once more, the number is most likely fake if you are contacted by a foreigner with no background who gives you a wonderful chance at anything.
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
You have to enter your profile details when you first sign up for WhatsApp. This information consists of your name, phone number, profile picture, and an “about” section.
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.
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.
Also Read: How To Know If Someone froze last seen on WhatsApp?
How to Trace Fake WhatsApp Number Using a Reverse Phone Lookup?
WhatsApp reverse number lookup services search through phone directories, public records, and private company databases to find information about a number. They are like the best WhatsApp fake account checkers.
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 the 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:
- Someone else is picking up the call.
- Calls not going through,
- The user is not answering despite being online,
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 Family or Friend 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.
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. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication, or 2FA, is one of the most crucial security features for any online account. You can use this method to secure your Instagram account, too.
2FA adds to your WhatsApp account a 6-digit PIN code, which only you know.
This method helps in preventing most account theft. In a typical WhatsApp scam, a scammer wants to provide the code to your phone while posing as a friend or WhatsApp support team member.
2. 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. This information can be used against you in various phishing attack methods.
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 and tap on the three dots at the right corner of the screen,
- Tap on “More.”
- Tap on “Report”
- 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.
5. Avoid Unverified Links
Scammers usually use links to download malware onto your device or direct you to phony websites. It’s recommended to avoid clicking on any links in messages, even if they appear to be authentic. Especially if they come from an unknown number or a contact you haven’t spoken with before.
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 cybersecurity 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. You have learned how to trace WhatsApp fake numbers by this method in previous parts.
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 on every social media platform 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.
Final Thoughts
We hope that we have given you enough useful information on how to identify fake WhatsApp number.
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.
FAQs on How to Identify Fake WhatsApp Number
Yes, law enforcement agencies can trace fake WhatsApp numbers through legal processes by obtaining user information from WhatsApp, telecommunication companies, and internet service providers (ISPs). However, individuals do not have access to these resources, so it’s essential to take precautionary measures to protect oneself.
Check for suspicious or unusual signs, limited profile data, and use reverse lookup if in doubt.
Use reverse phone lookup services to verify a number’s identity.
It’s possible they obtained it through various means, so be cautious with unknown contacts.
Look for unusual requests, poor grammar, and verify information with trusted sources before taking any action.
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.
