Report & Block WhatsApp Calls with Initials +254, +84, or +63: Warns Indian Cybercrime

NEW DELHI: Do you frequently receive WhatsApp audio or video calls from overseas numbers beginning with +254, +84, or +63? Then report and block such spam numbers right away. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Home Ministry has issued a warning to stay away from such scammers' messages and WhatsApp calls from international numbers.

"This is a new cybercrime trend. People across India irrespective of their profession have been receiving calls and missed calls on WhatsApp from +254, +84, +63, +1(218) or other international numbers, and some of them have become victims of cybercrime. It has become more frequent," an expert in cyber intelligence and digital forensics told a media report.

It further said, "Report and block numbers like +254, +84, +63 or other international numbers if there is missed call alert or calls on WhatsApp."

These spam numbers are usually from Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and they have the potential to steal your personal information.

In March, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and stated that the wing is making an effort successful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of a cyber-success society.

He went on to say that the I4C allows for effective and seamless cooperation among all agencies and states in the fight against cybercrime.

You might often receive a spam message on WhatsApp like “Now that the 5G era of the Internet has arrived, there are already many people who make money through the Internet. I believe you know it too. I must be added to make money. If you don't speak, you may miss an opportunity at a turning point in your life. There are not many opportunities. I hope you see and then respond to my message," the message said.

According to a source, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has rescued more than Rs 12 crore in cybercrime victims since its launch in 2018.

I4C claims to have a 'Cyber Citizen, Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System'.

How to block international spam calls on WhatsApp?

1. Always keep in mind that do not receive calls with international codes such as +237 (Cameroon, Africa), +84 (Vietnam), +251 (Ethiopia, Africa), and +62 (Indonesia).

2. Block and report suspicious calls and report those fake accounts.

3. Report unknown spam numbers.

4. Keep your personal information setting visible to only your contacts in the privacy setting of WhatsApp number.

Also Read: WhatsApp bug causing some Android devices to falsely report microphone access

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