🔒 Secure Your WhatsApp: Advanced Privacy Settings & Anti‑Scam Tips (2025 Guide for Sri Lanka)

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:

1. Email WhatsApp Support: [email protected]
2. Report the number inside the chat via “More Options → Report”
3. 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