WhatsApp warns infuriating type of text message will be blocked in crackdown – but you must tweak setting to get benefit

WHATSAPP is attempting to stamp out pesky spam messages with a new feature that blocks specific unknown numbers.

The Meta-owned messenger has a whopping two billion users worldwide, making it a well populated pool for phishing attacks and spam scams.

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That’s why the app has to make a big effort to roll out spam-catching features.

WhatsApp is now targeting numbers who are sending messages that exceed a certain volume.

The messenger currently uses automated tools to detect and filter out malicious actors.

This includes clever algorithms that can spot suspicious behavior and bulk messaging.  

But a new feature, which is currently under development, will block spammers when their messages exceed a certain volume, according to WABetaInfo.

This offers WhatsApp users an extra layer of protection against scammers.

In the Advanced section of Settings, WhatsApp is set to introduce a toggle titled ‘Block unknown account messages,’ a leaked image from WABetaInfo revealed.

The feature will clampdown on accounts that send a high number of messages to unknown numbers.

While it can open the door to all kinds of scams, receiving a high volume of messages in a short period can overwhelm the app itself.

In turn, this can negatively impact the performance of your iPhone or Android.

When the feature is switched on, it will significantly reduce the amount of data the app needs to process – which can save both your data and your battery.