Protect Your WhatsApp Account by Reporting Spam and Suspicious Chats

With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is a popular messaging platform used for everything from casual conversations to business communication. However, its wide reach also makes it a common target for spam, misinformation, scams, and fake messages. Thankfully, WhatsApp offers simple yet powerful tools to help users report and block unwanted or suspicious content. Knowing how to use these features can protect not just your account, but also the wider community.

Why Reporting Spam on WhatsApp Matters

Spam messages can come in many forms — promotional content, phishing links, fake job offers, lottery scams, or misleading forwarded messages. These not only clutter your inbox but can also be dangerous. They may contain harmful links, try to steal your information, or spread false news. Reporting such messages helps WhatsApp take action and reduce abuse across its platform.

How to Identify Spam and Fake Messages

Before reporting a message, it's important to recognise what spam or fake content looks like. Common signs include:

• Unsolicited promotional content from unknown numbers
  
• Messages claiming you won a prize or lottery
  
• Job offers or money-making schemes that seem too good to be true
  
• Requests for personal information or bank details
  
• Forwarded messages marked with “Forwarded many times”
  
• Links directing you to suspicious or unfamiliar websites
  
  

If you receive such messages from people not in your contacts or from unknown groups, it’s wise to be cautious.

How to Report a Spam Message from an Unknown Number

If you receive a message from a number that is not saved in your contacts, WhatsApp will give you the option to Block or Report the sender.

Steps:

1. Open the chat with the unknown sender
   
2. Scroll to the bottom of the message screen
   
3. Tap Report
   
4. Optionally, you can choose to Block the contact and delete the chat
   
5. Confirm the report
   
   

WhatsApp will then receive the most recent messages from that contact for review and possible action.

How to Report Spam in Group Chats

Spam or fake content can also be shared in group chats, often through mass-forwarded messages or links. If a group is repeatedly sharing harmful or misleading content, you can report the group as well.

Steps:

1. Open the group chat
   
2. Tap on the group name at the top
   
3. Scroll down and tap Report Group
   
4. You can choose to exit the group and delete the messages
   
5. Confirm your report
   
   

This action notifies WhatsApp about the group and allows them to investigate and take action if necessary.

How to Report a Contact You Already Know

Sometimes, spam or misleading content may come from someone you know. You can still report the contact if you believe they are spreading harmful information.

Steps:

1. Open the chat with the contact
   
2. Tap the contact’s name at the top
   
3. Scroll down and select Report Contact
   
4. Optionally block and delete messages
   
5. Confirm the report
   
   

WhatsApp encourages users to report abuse, regardless of whether the contact is known or unknown.

How to Report a Message from Business Accounts

WhatsApp Business accounts are often used for customer service, promotions, or order updates. However, if a business account sends you spam or unsolicited messages, you can report them too.

Steps:

1. Open the chat with the business
   
2. Tap the name or business profile
   
3. Scroll and tap Report Business
   
4. Choose whether to block and delete the chat
   
5. Confirm your report
   
   

This helps prevent businesses from misusing the platform.

What Happens After You Report a Message

When you report a user or group, WhatsApp receives the most recent messages from that chat to review for policy violations. The platform uses this information to take action such as warning, suspending, or banning accounts involved in abusive behavior.

Your identity remains anonymous during the review process. Reporting does not notify the user who has been reported.

Tips to Stay Safe from Spam and Fake Messages

• Never click on links from unknown senders
  
• Do not share personal or financial information over WhatsApp
  
• Avoid forwarding unverified messages
  
• Leave groups that share misleading or inappropriate content
  
• Use two-step verification to protect your account
  
• Keep the app updated to access the latest security features
  
  

How to Block a Spam Contact

In addition to reporting, you can block any user to stop further communication.

Steps:

1. Open the chat with the contact
   
2. Tap their name or number
   
3. Scroll down and tap Block Contact
   
   

This prevents the person from sending you messages, seeing your last seen, or viewing your profile picture and status.

Spam and fake messages on WhatsApp not only clutter your inbox but can also pose serious security risks. By learning to recognise, report, and block such messages, you take a proactive step in protecting your digital space. WhatsApp provides robust tools for user safety, and your participation helps keep the platform secure for everyone.