Published by LankaFix Tech Tips & Trends
Because your conversations matter.
In today’s connected world, WhatsApp isn’t just a messaging app—it’s a lifeline for personal chats, family updates, banking OTPs, business deals, and even government communications in Sri Lanka. But as usage skyrockets, so do threats: scams, account hacks, impersonations, and data theft are more common than ever.
👉 This 2025 guide uncovers advanced privacy settings you must enable—and smart anti-scam practices to protect your identity, data, and money.
🚨 Why You Should Care: The Rise of WhatsApp Scams in Sri Lanka
Scammers are getting smarter. From fake lottery links to WhatsApp hijacking and business impersonations, Sri Lankans are becoming prime targets due to:
- 📱 High mobile phone penetration
- 💸 Dependence on cash-based digital transactions
- 🔐 Low adoption of privacy controls
According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, messaging apps like WhatsApp are now the #1 attack vector for phishing and impersonation scams across South Asia.
✅ PART 1: Must-Enable WhatsApp Privacy Settings (2025)
🔑 1. Turn on Two-Step Verification
This is your digital seatbelt.
- Go to Settings → Account → Two-Step Verification
- Enable it and set a 6-digit PIN
- Add an email address to recover your account
🔒 This prevents SIM hijackers from registering your WhatsApp on another device.
🕵️ 2. Control Your ‘Last Seen’ & Online Status
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Last Seen & Online
- Set “Who can see my last seen” to My Contacts or Nobody
- Disable “Show when you’re online”
This stops unknown numbers and stalkers from tracking your activity.
🧍♂️ 3. Restrict Profile Photo, About & Status
These details help scammers craft convincing impersonations.
- Go to Settings → Privacy
- Set Profile Photo, About, and Status to My Contacts only
Bonus tip: Use a non-identifiable photo (not a clear face or ID card pic).
👁️ 4. Disable Read Receipts (Optional)
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Read Receipts
- Turn it OFF
This adds a layer of privacy in group and personal conversations—but note: you won’t see when others read your messages either.
📍 5. Control Group Invitations
Stop getting added to random spam groups:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Groups
- Set to My Contacts or My Contacts Except…
You can even block known spammers from adding you to groups.
🔔 6. Lock WhatsApp with Fingerprint or Face ID
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Fingerprint Lock
- Enable it and choose lock timing
✅ This adds a final layer of physical security.
🛑 PART 2: Scam-Proof Your WhatsApp in Sri Lanka
🐟 1. Beware of Phishing Messages
Look out for:
- Messages from unknown numbers claiming prizes or government refunds
- Bit.ly or goo.gl links asking to verify identity
- Requests for bank details or OTPs
🛡 Tip: Never tap a link unless you trust the sender. Even from a known number, always confirm via call.
📛 2. Protect Yourself from Impersonation Scams
A growing trend: Scammers use someone else’s profile picture and name to trick others.
What to do:
- If a known person messages you from a new number asking for money—always verify through a voice call.
- Encourage family members to also restrict their profile visibility.
📌 Real-life case: In 2024, dozens of Sri Lankans reported fake messages from “brothers” asking for top-ups or bank transfers.
🔐 3. Don’t Share OTPs or PINs—Even with “Support” Staff
WhatsApp, banks, or telecom providers will never ask for:
- Verification codes
- Two-step PIN
- Passwords or NIC numbers
If someone claims they’re from “WhatsApp Support” on chat—it’s a scam.
💣 4. Leave Suspicious Groups Immediately
Spammers often add random users to:
- Cryptocurrency pump groups
- Erotic or clickbait content
- Loan or giveaway channels
Exit fast. Then:
- Report the group
- Block the group admin
📞 5. Silence Unknown Callers
WhatsApp now lets you mute calls from unknown numbers:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Calls
- Enable Silence Unknown Callers
Your phone won’t ring, but you’ll see missed calls from blocked contacts in call history.
🔎 6. Use ‘View Once’ & Disappearing Messages Wisely
WhatsApp now offers:
- View Once photos/videos: Vanishes after viewing
- Disappearing messages: Auto-deletes after 24 hours / 7 days
Enable this in sensitive conversations by clicking contact name → “Disappearing Messages”.
💡 Bonus Tips for Families & Businesses
👨👩👧 For Families
- Teach your kids not to share personal info via messages
- Add elderly relatives to a “safe” WhatsApp group where family can help verify scams
- Use complicated device PINs for senior users
💼 For Businesses
- Register with a verified WhatsApp Business profile
- Educate staff on scams using official group messages
- Never send bank details or invoices via unsecured chat
👉 Consider switching to WhatsApp Business API for secure automation and verified identity.
📲 Need Help?
If your WhatsApp is hacked or you suspect a scam:
- Email WhatsApp Support: [email protected]
- Report the number inside the chat via “More Options → Report”
- Use the LankaFix community to spread awareness: www.lankafix.com/tech-tips-trends
🔚 Final Thought
You wouldn’t leave your home unlocked—don’t leave your WhatsApp open either.
In the digital world, privacy is power. And awareness is your best defense.
📚 Sources & References
- WhatsApp Privacy Settings – Official FAQ
- Kaspersky 2025 Messaging Security Report
- TechRadar: WhatsApp Scam Trends
- Sri Lanka CERT | 2024 Report on Social Media Threats
