> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/troubleshooting/this-may-be-a-scam-warning-when-linking-a-device.md).

# "This May Be a Scam" Warning When Linking a Device

<figure><img src="/files/uQor7nydN9Yw3zeioefb" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **This may be a scam**\
> If you continue linking, a device in *\[city, country]* will have access to your WhatsApp account. Anyone on this new device will be able to see your recent chats and send messages from your account.

#### Why This Warning Appears

This is a built-in WhatsApp security notice — it is not an error or a restriction from Whapi.Cloud.

WhatsApp estimates the physical location of the device being linked (in this case, the server running your Whapi channel) based on its IP address, and compares it to the region your phone number is normally used in. If the two locations differ significantly, WhatsApp shows this warning as a precaution against unauthorized account access.

This is expected behavior when connecting a phone number to a cloud-based API server: the server's IP address is often located in a different country or region than the phone itself.

#### Is It Safe to Continue?

**Yes**. This is only a warning, not a block. If you are intentionally connecting your number to your Whapi.Cloud channel, you can safely proceed by tapping Link device.

{% hint style="info" %}
Keep in mind, though, that a mismatch between the phone's and the channel's IP location is exactly the kind of signal that makes WhatsApp scrutinize a number's activity more closely. It's a good moment to review WhatsApp's messaging best practices to keep the account safe — see [How to not get Banned?](/help-desk/blocking/how-to-not-get-banned.md)
{% endhint %}

#### How to Avoid Seeing This Warning

To make the channel's connection look like it's coming from the same region as your phone, attach a residential proxy to the channel before scanning the QR code:

1. Go to your channel Settings in the dashboard.
2. Enter a proxy in the Individual Proxy port field, in the format:
   \
   `socks5://login:password@ip:port`
3. Save the settings, then scan the QR code to connect.

Setting the proxy before the initial QR scan is important — if you add it after the channel is already connected, you'll need to disconnect and rescan the QR code for it to take effect.

For more details on proxies, see [Using Residential Proxies with Whapi.Cloud](/help-desk/blocking/using-residential-proxies-with-whapi.cloud.md).

#### Still Seeing the Warning?

If you don't have your own proxy, contact our support team (**<care@whapi.cloud>** or via the chat at [panel.whapi.cloud/dashboard](https://panel.whapi.cloud/dashboard)) — we can check whether one of the default proxies used on our channels better matches your number's region.