Getting random calls on WhatsApp from international numbers? Here are the results of a survey

Many WhatsApp users in India have taken to social media to complain about the issue of spam calls from unknown international numbers. A survey of LocalCircles, which received nearly 23,000 responses from WhatsApp users located in 323 districts of India, also highlights the issue. 46% of WhatsApp users surveyed confirmed that they have been facing an onslaught of audio or video calls from unknown numbers; 83% state that they have been getting them in the last 30 days.

The LocalCircles survey results also showed that 59% of respondents confirmed that these calls are primarily coming from international numbers, while another 23% are receiving scam calls mostly from domestic numbers and some international numbers.

The Indian government has also taken note of the international spam calls issue. Union Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar recently said that the ministry is taking cognizance of the matter and will send a notice to WhatsApp on the issue.


The digital platforms are responsible and accountable for ensuring the safety of 'digital nagriks', the minister said, adding that the government will respond to every instance of alleged misuse or alleged breach of users' privacy.

A WhatsApp spokesperson said international scam calls are a new way that bad actors have recently adopted, and that the platform has quickly ramped up AI and ML systems to bring down such incidents significantly.

"Our new enforcement will reduce the current calling rate by at least 50 per cent and we expect to be able to control the current incidence effectively. We will continue to work relentlessly towards ensuring a safe experience for our users," the WhatsApp spokesperson said.

Commenting on the results of the survey, LocalCircles said: "It is clear from the survey that the menace of audio and video Whatsapp calls from unknown numbers has exponentially risen in the last few weeks. It is time the authorities and regulators step into the picture to probe and curb this menace that holds threat of possible financial, sextortion and other frauds with possible widespread consequence. Many such instances are reported regularly on social media and to the authorities at various levels."