Mysterious WhatsApp Call: Green Dot Triggers Security Concerns
Out of the blue, I received a video call invitation from an unknown number. I instantly rejected and blocked it, but the phantom call group stubbornly remained visible in my WhatsApp call list.
Accidental Entry and a Lingering Dot
Determined to erase it from my history, I clicked on the group, but emptying the call list didn’t work. Unfortunately, in an absent-minded moment, I accidentally joined the video call. I caught a glimpse of myself on screen and heard two people speaking German before immediately hanging up. It was a regrettable oversight.
This mishap left me with two pressing questions: Could my phone’s security have been compromised? Was my account hijacked? The second mystery involved a constantly pulsating green dot that appeared next to the WhatsApp call icon. I couldn’t recall if it had always been there or was something new. It felt unsettling.
Restarting my phone didn’t make it disappear, and the thought of being trapped in a continuous loop of groups worried me.
Vanishing Group, Persistent Dot
The unwanted group vanished from my call list, but the green dot remained. Was this normal behavior? I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.
Reinstallation and Lingering Questions
Addendum:
Reinstalling WhatsApp finally banished the pulsating green dot. Now, the original mystery deepened: What did the dot signify? Should I be concerned about the security implications of accidentally joining that call group?
There’s one more detail that adds to the puzzle. When I accidentally entered the call, it seemed to automatically add contacts from my list.
How can someone protect their WhatsApp account from being compromised through a video call?
## Mysterious WhatsApp Call: Green Dot Triggers Security Concerns
**News Anchor:** Welcome back. Today, we’re discussing a concerning trend reported by numerous WhatsApp users: unexpected video call invitations from unknown numbers, often indicated by a green dot signaling availability. Joining us to shed light on this issue and offer advice on protecting ourselves is cybersecurity expert, Alice Chen.
Alice, thank you for joining us.
**Alice Chen:** Thank you for having me.
**News Anchor:** Many are alarmed by these seemingly random calls, especially the presence of the green dot suggesting the caller is active. What should users make of this?
**Alice Chen:** The green dot doesn’t necessarily mean the caller is actively watching you. It simply indicates they are online and available to receive calls. However, unsolicited calls from unknown numbers should always be treated with caution.
**News Anchor:** What are the potential risks associated with accepting such calls?
**Alice Chen:** Accepting a call from an unknown number could expose you to several risks. Scammers might use these calls to steal your personal information, install malware on your device, or even gain access to your WhatsApp account.
**News Anchor:** You mentioned WhatsApp account access. How can a call lead to that?
**Alice Chen:** There are methods hackers can use, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in the app or social engineering tactics, to gain control of your WhatsApp account.
**News Anchor:** That’s alarming. What steps can viewers take to protect themselves from these potential threats?
**Alice Chen:**
First and foremost, **never answer calls from unknown numbers**. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and block the number. Enable two-factor authentication on your WhatsApp account, as outlined by WhatsApp Help Center [[1](https://faq.whatsapp.com/1095301557782068)], to add an extra layer of security. Be wary of clicking on any links or downloading files from unknown senders.
**News Anchor:** Great advice, Alice. Thank you for sharing your expertise and helping our viewers stay safe online.
