How to Block and Report Someone on WhatsApp
Blocking stops someone contacting you; reporting helps WhatsApp act against scam accounts. How to do both, what reporting sends to WhatsApp, and what the other person notices.
When a scammer messages you on WhatsApp, the best response is usually no response: block them, report them, and move on. Reporting takes seconds and helps get scam accounts banned before they reach others.
How to block and report
- Open the chat with the person.
- Tap their name or number at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Report. You can choose to block them at the same time.
- Or tap Block if you only want to stop contact.
For messages from numbers not in your contacts, WhatsApp often shows Block and Report buttons right in the chat.
What happens next
| Block | Report | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops them messaging and calling you | Yes | Only if you also block |
| Sends recent messages to WhatsApp for review | No | Yes |
| Can lead to the account being banned | No | Yes |
| Tells the person | No notice is sent | No |
Before you block: keep evidence if you need it
If you lost money or were threatened, take screenshots of the chat and the number first. You may need them for your bank or the police. See preserving scam evidence.
Scam groups can be reported too. See leaving and reporting a scam group.
Reporting inside WhatsApp does not replace reporting a crime. If you lost money, see reporting WhatsApp scams to the authorities. For more, see our complete guide to WhatsApp scams.
Frequently asked questions
Does the person know I reported them?
No. WhatsApp does not tell them who reported them.
What does a blocked person see?
Their messages show a single tick and are never delivered, and they stop seeing your last seen, online status and profile updates. WhatsApp does not send them a notice.
What does reporting send to WhatsApp?
Recent messages from that person or group, and information about the account, so WhatsApp can review it.
Sources
- How to block and report someone, WhatsApp Help Center
- About suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to protect yourself from suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
