Verification Code Scams / Account Takeove A scammer, often having taken over a friend's account, will message you claiming they accidentally sent a 6-digit WhatsApp verification code to your number and ask you to send it back. NEVER share this code. Sharing it gives them access to your WhatsApp account, allowing them to impersonate you and scam your contacts. News sources like The Times of India and Derbyshire Police have widely reported on these account takeover scams.
Fake Job Offers / Investment Scams: Scammers offer incredibly lucrative job opportunities or high-return investment schemes (often crypto-related) to lure you in. They ask for your WhatsApp number to "discuss details" or to move the conversation off the platform where they initially contacted you (e.g., LinkedIn, dating apps). Their goal is jamaica whatsapp number data to either get personal information, money for "training," or trick you into investing in fake schemes.
Romance Scams: Scammers build emotional connections on dating apps or social media, then move the conversation to WhatsApp for more "private" communication. Eventually, they ask for money due to a fake emergency or to facilitate a "visit."
"Wrong Number" Scams: An innocuous message seemingly meant for someone else (e.g., "Hi, is this Sarah? About our meeting?") is sent to you. If you respond, the scammer tries to build rapport before launching into another scam.
Phishing/Malware: While less direct, sometimes a request for your WhatsApp number might be part of a broader phishing attempt where they later send you malicious links or files disguised as legitimate content.
Data Collection/Spam: Your number might be collected to add to spam lists, leading to unwanted marketing messages or calls. Some less reputable "data brokers" might also try to collect numbers.
Stalking/Harassment: In rare, but serious cases, someone with malicious intent might try to obtain your number for stalking or harassment purposes.
What to Do If Someone Asks for Your WhatsApp Number (General Advice from News/Experts).