Professional/Business Communication:
Customer Service: Many businesses, especially small to medium-sized ones, use WhatsApp Business accounts for customer support, inquiries, and updates. News often highlights how companies are leveraging WhatsApp to provide convenient and instant communication. You might be asked for your number to facilitate an ongoing service, delivery updates, or product inquiries.
Networking/Colleagues: In some professional fields, WhatsApp groups are used for team communication, project discussions, or networking, especially with the rise of remote work. A colleague or ivory coast whatsapp number data new professional contact might ask for your number to add you to such a group or for direct communication. and cons of using WhatsApp in professional contexts, often emphasizing the need for clear company policies and awareness of data retention.
Online Sales/Marketplace Interactions: If you're buying or selling items on online marketplaces (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, local classifieds), a buyer or seller might ask for your WhatsApp number to share more photos, videos, discuss details, or arrange pickup/delivery.
Event Coordination: For organizing events, meetups, or group activities, organizers might ask for WhatsApp numbers to create a group chat for easier coordination and updates.
II. Risky or Potentially Malicious Reasons (Exercise High Caution):
This is where much of the "news" about asking for WhatsApp numbers lies, often in the context of scams and cybercrime.
Scams (The Most Prevalent Risk): News outlets (like Norton, Avast, NordVPN, The Times of India, Aura) consistently report on various WhatsApp scams where asking for your number is an initial step:
"Hi Mom/Dad" or Impersonation Scams: A scammer, often using an unknown number, pretends to be a family member (e.g., "Hi Mom, I lost my phone, this is my new number") or a friend, often claiming an emergency and asking for money.