WhatsApp’s Lock Screen Can Block Spam Messages

(CTN News) – According to the latest update of WhatsApp, users can block spam messages directly from their lock screens – potentially phishing attempts to extort financial or personal information.

As the primary instant messaging tool for everyday needs in many parts of the world, WhatsApp is very popular. The fact that accounts are tied to phone numbers makes it possible for anyone with your number to contact you directly through the app, making it rather easy for bad actors to do so.

When users receive messages from unknown numbers, WhatsApp now displays cautionary alerts below the sender’s contact information. For such chats, the “Add to contacts” button is also accompanied by a prominent “Block” button.

However, users must open the chat to tap the message or, at the very least, block the sender.

According to WhatsApp’s official account,

It has recently introduced a new feature that allows users to block messages directly from their lock screen from unknown contacts.

According to the company, users can select the “Block” option next to the “Reply” button on their lock screen if a message exhibits the characteristics of phishing attempts, Ponzi schemes, or other scams.

You may be prompted to report a contact by WhatsApp as a secondary prompt.

In the pop-up window, users should select the checkbox for the “Report contact” option, and then click “Block” to confirm their action. The last five messages sent by the sender will be shared with WhatsApp in order to contribute to an improved spam prevention system.

In addition to being available on the lock screen, this contact-blocking system is also available in the notification shade. As a result, users can save the effort of opening the app and then the chat just to block unwanted messages.

It should already be available on users’ devices as the feature is currently rolling out widely.

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