WRONG NUMBER SCAM – A new text message scam is on the rise, and it’s far more deceptive than the typical (and rather obvious) scam messages. Known as the “wrong number scam,” it starts with a seemingly harmless message sent by someone claiming to have dialed the wrong number. These messages often sound frantic or casual, like a missed appointment or a personal update, making them more believable. Once the recipient responds, the scammer strikes up a conversation that ultimately leads to a cryptocurrency investment trap.
The goal of these scams is to build trust and gradually lure victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Erin West, a deputy district attorney in California, explains that scammers are becoming more creative in their initial messages. Whether it’s about a doctor’s appointment or a pet grooming session, the intent is always the same: to hook unsuspecting people into a long-term scam. These scammers typically steer conversations toward cryptocurrency, promising high returns on investments through unvetted apps.
Experts warn that these scams don’t indicate any personal security breach on your phone. Instead, they are part of a broad tactic that relies on engagement. Chester Wisniewski, a cybersecurity researcher at Sophos, says scammers often move conversations to encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram, where they convince victims to use fraudulent investment apps. Initially, victims may withdraw small amounts of money to make the scheme seem legitimate, but larger withdrawals are blocked, leaving victims empty-handed.
The financial impact of these scams can be devastating. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that text message scams have surged in recent years, with scammers increasingly reaching out through texts rather than phone calls. The FBI has tracked hundreds of cases where victims lost millions of dollars. In one case, a U.S. man lost $500,000 after weeks of texting with a scammer who convinced him to invest in a fake crypto platform. The man, who spoke anonymously, admitted he was impressed by the scammer’s persistence and storytelling skills.
The scam typically involves a slow and calculated approach. Scammers may spend weeks or even months chatting with their targets, building a rapport before introducing the fraudulent investment opportunity. They use psychological tricks to make victims feel comfortable and even encourage them to send small crypto transactions to demonstrate the system’s credibility. However, by the time victims realize they’ve been duped, their life savings are often gone.
Authorities advise people to avoid engaging with unfamiliar text messages altogether. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suggests ignoring and deleting suspicious texts to avoid falling victim. The best defense is to stay vigilant, never trust unsolicited investment advice, and avoid moving conversations to unfamiliar platforms. If something feels off, it probably is — and no investment opportunity should come from a random text message. As always: trust your gut.
Story courtesy of NBC. Want more cybersecurity news? Check out more stories here.