How to Stop Spam and Scam Messages From Strangers

Spam on messengers is getting worse: "investment opportunities", fake parcel deliveries, job offers paying for "likes", and being added to random groups. Here's how to shut it down.

#1. Control who can message you

In Yapie, go to **Settings › Privacy & security › Who can message me**: - **Everybody (via Requests)** — strangers can write, but their messages wait in **Requests**. - **Only my contacts** — strangers can't start a chat at all.

#2. Control who can add you to groups

**Settings › Privacy & security › Who can add me to groups**. Choose **My contacts** or **Nobody** — everyone else has to send an invitation, which you can ignore.

#3. Use the Requests inbox

Messages from people you don't know land in **Requests**, not your chat list. While a chat is in Requests: - **Links are disabled**, so you can't accidentally tap a phishing link. - You can **Accept**, **Delete** or **Report and block**.

#4. Recognise common scams

- **"You've won"** a prize, phone or cash — but must pay a fee first. - **Task scams**: get paid to like videos, then "invest" to unlock earnings. - **Fake support**: someone claims to be from the app or your bank and asks for a code. - **Family emergency** from a new number asking for money. - **Parcel or bill** links asking for card details.

See how to spot phishing links in chats.

#5. Never share codes or PINs

No legitimate company will ask for your sign-in code, two-step code or wallet PIN. Read [why you should never share OTP codes](/blog/otp-scam-never-share-codes).

#6. Report and block

Reporting helps moderators remove scam accounts for everyone. In Yapie, open the chat or profile and choose **Report**, or use **Report and block** in Requests.

#7. Hide your details

Limit who sees your **last seen**, **profile photo** and **bio** to make you a less attractive target.

#Frequently asked questions

How do I stop strangers from messaging me?

In Yapie, set Who can message me to Only my contacts, or keep Everybody (via Requests) so strangers' messages wait in a separate inbox with links disabled.

How do I stop being added to random groups?

Set Who can add me to groups to My contacts or Nobody. Others must send an invitation you can ignore.

What should I do with a scam message?

Don't reply or tap links. Report and block the sender.