MEDIUM RISK
Wrong Number Text Scam
A "friendly" wrong number text that leads to ongoing conversation, building rapport before eventually requesting money or pushing investment scams.
Losses: Often leads to pig butchering scams ($4.6B in 2024)
Targets: Lonely individuals, anyone with a phone
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Accidental Text Scam • Friendly Stranger Scam
1How It Works
You receive a text that appears to be sent to the wrong number:
"Hey! Are we still meeting for coffee tomorrow?"
"Hi Lisa! Just confirming dinner at 7."
"Is this John? I got your number from a friend."
**If you respond:**
The scammer engages you in friendly conversation. They're attractive, successful, and surprisingly interested in talking to you despite the "wrong number."
**Where it leads:**
- Romance scam: They develop feelings for you, then have an "emergency"
- Pig butchering: They introduce you to cryptocurrency "investing"
- Friendship scam: They eventually need help with money
**Why respond to wrong numbers?**
It casts a wide net. Out of thousands of texts, some people will respond. Some will be lonely and enjoy the attention.
How Scammers Make Contact
Text messagesWhatsApp
2Warning Signs & Red Flags
- Text appears to be for someone else
- After you reply, they're very interested in continuing the conversation
- They quickly move to WhatsApp or another platform
- They're attractive and successful (shared photos)
- Conversation eventually turns to crypto or investing
- They develop romantic feelings unusually quickly
- They eventually have a "crisis" and need money
3Real-World Example
"I got a text saying 'Hey Mike, great meeting you at the conference!' I said wrong number. She apologized but said 'since we're connected, maybe it's fate!' She was beautiful and we texted for weeks. Then she showed me her crypto portfolio. I lost $40,000 before I realized the 'wrong number' was completely planned."
— FBI IC3 Report
4How to Protect Yourself
- Simply don't respond to wrong number texts
- If you do respond, end the conversation after clarifying the mistake
- Be suspicious if they want to keep chatting
- Never send money to someone you've only met online
- Reverse image search any photos they send
- Be aware this is often the start of larger scams
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1Stop all communication immediately
- 2Block the number
- 3If you sent money, report to your bank
- 4If you shared personal info, monitor your credit
- 5Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 6Report the number as spam to your carrier (forward to 7726)
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wrong Number Text Scam?
A "friendly" wrong number text that leads to ongoing conversation, building rapport before eventually requesting money or pushing investment scams. You receive a text that appears to be sent to the wrong number:
"Hey! Are we still meeting for coffee tomorrow?"
"Hi Lisa! Just confirming dinner at 7."
"Is this John? I got your number from a friend."
**If you respond:**
The scammer engages you in friendly conversation. They're attractive, succes...
How common is this type of scam?
Wrong Number Text Scam is classified as a medium risk threat. Reported losses: Often leads to pig butchering scams ($4.6B in 2024). This primarily targets Lonely individuals, anyone with a phone.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
Pig Butchering Scam
Long-con investment scam combining romance and crypto fraud where scammers "fatten" victims before "slaughtering" them financially.
Romance Scam
Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, build romantic relationships, then ask for money for emergencies or investments.
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