WhatsApp Messages From +62: Scam or Real? How to Tell

+62 is Indonesia's country code. If you've received an unexpected WhatsApp message from a number starting with +62, you're looking at a contact registered in Indonesia — a nation of over 280 million people spread across thousands of islands in Southeast Asia.

But here's what you really want to know: is that message legitimate, or are you being targeted by scammers?

This guide breaks down exactly why you're receiving these messages, how to spot the difference between genuine contacts and fraud attempts, and what steps to take right now.

Why You're Getting WhatsApp Messages From +62 Numbers

Indonesia has one of the world's largest WhatsApp user bases. The +62 prefix appears on millions of legitimate accounts daily. However, this same popularity has made Indonesian numbers a common tool for international scam operations.

Three main reasons explain why a +62 number might contact you:

1. Legitimate Contact

Someone you know — or a business you've interacted with — is reaching out from Indonesia. This could include:

Friends, family, or colleagues travelling or living in Indonesia
Indonesian businesses you've purchased from
Hotels, tour operators, or services you've booked
Contacts who recently changed their number

2. Random Number Generation

Scammers use automated systems to message thousands of phone numbers simultaneously. Your number may have been randomly generated or scraped from a data breach. These messages typically arrive without any prior relationship.

3. Targeted Fraud Campaigns

More sophisticated operations purchase leaked databases containing phone numbers, names, and sometimes additional personal details. These scammers craft messages that feel personal but follow recognisable patterns.

Red Flags: How to Spot a +62 Scam Message

Scam messages from +62 numbers follow predictable patterns. Watch for these warning signs:

The "Wrong Number" Opening

"Hi! Is this John? Oh sorry, wrong number... but since we're chatting, what do you do?"

This classic opener creates artificial rapport. The scammer hopes you'll engage, leading to investment pitches or romance fraud.

Job Offers You Never Applied For

"Congratulations! You've been selected for a remote position. Earn $300-$500 daily by completing simple tasks."

These "task scams" promise payment for liking videos, rating apps, or completing surveys. Initial small payments build trust before requesting "deposits" for higher-paying tasks. Once you pay, the money vanishes.

Cryptocurrency and Investment "Opportunities"

Messages promoting guaranteed returns, exclusive trading groups, or "insider" investment tips. Often paired with fake screenshots showing massive profits.

Requests for Personal Information

Any message asking for:

Banking details or card numbers
Verification codes sent to your phone
Passport or identity documents
Login credentials for any account

Urgency and Pressure Tactics

Scammers create artificial deadlines: "This offer expires in 2 hours" or "Act now before it's too late." Legitimate contacts rarely pressure you this way.

Poor Grammar Combined With Professional Claims

Messages claiming to represent major companies but containing obvious spelling errors, unusual phrasing, or formatting inconsistencies.

Green Flags: Signs a +62 Message Is Legitimate

Not every message from Indonesia signals danger. These indicators suggest genuine contact:

You Recognise the Context

You've recently booked travel to Indonesia, purchased from an Indonesian seller, or have known contacts in the country.

The Profile Appears Established

Legitimate accounts typically show:

A realistic profile photo (not a stock image or model)
A bio with specific, verifiable information
Account creation dates that aren't brand new

The Conversation Makes Sense

The person references specific details only a genuine contact would know — your actual name, a real transaction, or mutual connections.

They Don't Ask for Money or Sensitive Information

Legitimate contacts rarely request financial details, verification codes, or payments through their first messages.

You Can Verify Their Identity

They're willing to video call, can be found on LinkedIn or other platforms, or can provide verifiable business credentials.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious +62 Message

Follow these steps when a message seems questionable:

Step 1: Don't Respond

Any reply — even "wrong number" or "stop messaging me" — confirms your number is active. Scammers value confirmed numbers and may increase contact attempts or sell your details to others.

Step 2: Block the Number

On WhatsApp:

Open the chat
Tap the contact name at the top
Scroll down and tap "Block"
Confirm by tapping "Block" again

Step 3: Report to WhatsApp

After blocking:

Return to the blocked contact's info screen
Tap "Report Contact"
Select the reason that best describes the issue

WhatsApp uses these reports to identify and ban accounts engaged in spam or fraud.

Step 4: Delete the Chat

Remove the conversation to avoid accidentally engaging later. This also removes any malicious links from your device.

Step 5: Never Click Links or Download Files

Scam messages often contain links to phishing sites or malware. Avoid clicking anything from unknown senders, regardless of how legitimate the URL appears.

The Most Common +62 Scam Types in 2025

Task Scams (Money-for-Likes)

The most widespread fraud targeting WhatsApp users globally. The pattern:

Initial contact offering "easy work from home"
Simple tasks like liking YouTube videos or rating products
Small legitimate payments ($5-$20) to build trust
Introduction of "premium tasks" requiring upfront deposits
Requests escalate until the victim stops paying
Scammers disappear with all deposited funds

Victims have reported losses from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.

Romance Scams

Scammers build emotional connections over weeks or months before requesting money for emergencies, travel, or investments. They often use stolen photos and fabricated identities.

Impersonation Scams

Messages claiming to be from:

Banks requiring "verification"
Government agencies threatening legal action
Tech companies about "account problems"
Delivery services needing "customs fees"

Pig Butchering (Investment Fraud)

Named for the practice of "fattening" victims before the "slaughter." Scammers spend significant time building relationships and trust before introducing cryptocurrency or investment schemes. Victims see fake profits on fraudulent platforms, encourage larger deposits, then lose everything when the scammer vanishes.

Why Do So Many Scams Come From +62 Numbers?

Several factors make Indonesian numbers common in global scam operations:

Population Scale: Indonesia's 280+ million people create massive demand for mobile numbers, making SIM cards inexpensive and readily available.

VoIP Accessibility: Scammers anywhere in the world can purchase Indonesian virtual numbers online, making their actual location untraceable.

WhatsApp Dominance: Indonesia ranks among the top countries for WhatsApp usage, normalising the +62 prefix in global communications.

Important: This doesn't mean Indonesians are scammers. Criminal operations exploit Indonesia's infrastructure while operating from various countries worldwide.

How to Verify an Indonesian Number

If you're unsure whether a +62 contact is legitimate:

Check the Mobile Prefix

Indonesian mobile numbers follow the format +62 8XX XXXX XXXX. The prefix after 8 indicates the carrier:

While this won't confirm legitimacy, it verifies the number structure is valid.

Request a Video Call

Scammers avoid video calls because they can't maintain their fabricated identities. A willingness to video chat suggests genuine contact.

Search the Number Online

Paste the full number (with +62) into Google. Scam numbers often appear in fraud databases or complaint forums.

Verify Through Official Channels

If someone claims to represent a company, contact that company directly through their official website — never through links provided in the suspicious message.

Actually Need to Call Indonesia?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is +62 always Indonesia?

Yes. The +62 country code is exclusively assigned to Indonesia by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). No other country uses this prefix. If you see +62 at the start of a phone number, it's registered in Indonesia. Learn more in our guide: Is +62 Always Indonesia?

Why am I getting WhatsApp messages from Indonesia when I don't know anyone there?

Most likely, your phone number was randomly generated by automated systems or obtained from a data breach. Scammers message thousands of numbers simultaneously, hoping a small percentage will respond. Block and report these messages without replying.

Can I get scammed just by opening a WhatsApp message?

Simply opening and reading a message won't compromise your device. The danger comes from clicking links, downloading attachments, responding to requests for information, or sending money. As long as you don't engage, reading alone carries minimal risk.

What does +62 857 or +62 831 mean?

These are Indonesian mobile numbers. The digits after +62 indicate the mobile carrier — 857 belongs to Indosat, while 831 belongs to Axis. Both are legitimate Indonesian networks, though scammers often use numbers from these prefixes. See our guides on +62 857 numbers and +62 831 numbers.

Should I answer a call from a +62 number?

If you're not expecting contact from Indonesia, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers leave messages. Scam operations often use "one-ring" calls hoping you'll call back and incur expensive international charges. Learn more: Missed Call From +62: What to Do

How do I report a scam WhatsApp number?

Open the chat, tap the contact name, scroll down, and select "Report Contact." You can also forward suspicious messages to WhatsApp at +1 (650) 308-7341. For financial losses, report to your local authorities and the FTC (in the US) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Summary

Messages from +62 numbers originate in Indonesia. While many are completely legitimate, this country code has become associated with widespread WhatsApp scams, particularly task fraud and investment schemes.

Protect yourself by:

Never responding to unexpected messages from unknown international numbers
Blocking and reporting suspicious contacts immediately
Never clicking links, sharing verification codes, or sending money
Verifying identities through official channels before trusting new contacts

If you need to make legitimate calls to Indonesia, browser-based international calling offers an affordable alternative to traditional carrier rates.

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But here's what you really want to know: is that message legitimate, or are you being targeted by scammers?

This guide breaks down exactly why you're receiving these messages, how to spot the difference between genuine contacts and fraud attempts, and what steps to take right now.