Unknown calls on WhatsApp: see new information

What are unidentified calls and why have they increased recently?

Calls received from numbers not saved in your contacts represent attempts to contact you directly, initiated by telemarketing robots, debt collection companies, or cybercriminals.

Automated systems conduct mass mailings in search of active numbers on the network to confirm the validity of the phone lines and plan subsequent persuasive approaches.

How does the native feature for silencing unsaved numbers in your contacts work?

The mute feature prevents the smartphone from ringing or vibrating when an unknown number makes an audio or video call through the app.

The call continues to be processed by the app's network, but completely silently, appearing only as a discreet notification in the recent calls tab.

This feature prevents unnecessary interruptions in daily life, keeping control of communications in the user's hands without interrupting professional tasks or rest periods.

The user can later check who called and decide whether to return the call, save the number in their contacts, or report the suspicious profile immediately.

Comparison of Protection and Privacy Features in the App

Security Feature	Main Protection Objective	Impact on Daily Use	How to Enable in Settings
Silence Strangers	Block calls from unsaved numbers.	Eliminates spam interruptions.	Settings > Privacy > Calls
Two-Step Confirmation	Prevent account cloning via SMS	Requires a PIN when registering the SIM card.	Settings > Account > Two-step verification
IP Address Protection	Hide geographic location in calls	Reduces IP tracking on calls.	Settings > Privacy > Advanced
Reporting and Direct Blocking	Remove abusive profiles from the platform.	Delete and report the number to Meta.	Contact options > Block or Report

Why do scammers use audio and video calls to commit fraud?

Criminals use phone calls to create a false sense of urgency, manipulating the victim emotionally into making impulsive decisions without checking the facts.

The human voice establishes a quick psychological connection, facilitating financial fraud known as the fake relative scam or the fake call center scam.

Furthermore, unrecorded calls make it difficult to produce immediate evidence, leading users to provide passwords or transfer funds via PIX quickly under pressure.

Check the official cybersecurity and consumer protection alerts maintained by Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) to identify common scams.

What practical steps reinforce the overall security of your digital account?

Accessing the app's privacy settings allows you to automatically mute calls in under a minute, following simple and intuitive menus.

Keeping two-step verification enabled creates an extra layer of protection with a personal numeric password, preventing unauthorized account transfer.

Learn more: Loans for condominiums: when is it worth taking out a loan?

Avoiding clicking on links sent from unknown numbers and never sharing SMS verification codes ensures the complete integrity of your personal data and conversations.

Strict control over unknown calls on WhatsApp It reduces digital risks, transforming the application into a safe, clean, and predictable communication environment for everyday use.

When is it necessary to permanently block and report a suspicious number?

Permanent blocking should be applied whenever a number insists on making repetitive calls, sending intrusive messages, or attempting to solicit suspicious financial transfers.

The reporting option sends the latest received messages to Meta's security teams for analysis, helping to ban fraudulent profiles from the platform globally.

This community action strengthens the network against new attacks, preventing the same criminals from contacting other users using the same cloned phone number.

Consult the updated guides on telecommunications user rights and data protection provided by [the relevant authority/organization]. National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) to report abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are silenced calls still appearing in the call log?

Yes, the calls are still recorded in the call history tab of the app so you can see who tried to contact you.

If a legitimate business number calls me, will the call be muted?

If the number is not saved in your phone's contact list, the call will be silenced normally, regardless of whether it's a real company.

Does silencing unknown calls prevent text messaging?

No, the feature only affects audio and video calls; messages sent from unknown numbers will continue to arrive in your main inbox.

Does the mute feature consume more battery power on your phone?

No, the feature uses the operating system's standard algorithms to filter incoming notifications, so it doesn't have any noticeable impact on the mobile device's battery.

Manage exposure to unknown calls on WhatsApp It's a fundamental attitude for anyone seeking to navigate the internet with peace of mind and a defensive posture.

Adopting appropriate privacy settings protects your finances, safeguards your time, and eliminates unwanted distractions from your connected routine.

Written by Izabelle Kawamura

I've been a content strategist for over 4 years, helping brands transform technical topics into meaningful content for their readers. Throughout this time, I've worked in various niches, always combining SEO, audience behavior, and trends to create content that generates genuine connection, not just reach. I like to think that good content is content that explains, connects, and makes reading easy, without losing sight of the underlying intention.

Updated on August 28, 2026

Tips