The “wrong number” text scam is a deceptive tactic that’s become increasingly common.
You get a message from a number you don’t recognize. They start off polite, maybe even apologetic, claiming they’ve dialed the wrong number. So far, it seems innocent enough—just a simple mistake, right? But then things get interesting. They suggest you get to know each other, maybe even become friends.
Now, let’s pause here. This is where the alarm bells should start ringing. Why would a random stranger who “accidentally” texted the wrong number suddenly want to be friends? It doesn’t make sense.
These scammers are slick, playing on the universal desire for connection, especially if you’re someone who’s open to meeting new people.
Now, let’s talk about how the “wrong number” scam can morph into something much more sinister—a pig butchering scam.
This isn’t just a quick hit; it’s a long con that can unfold over months or even years, carefully designed to fatten you up for a financial slaughter.
Here’s How the Wrong Number Text Scam Works:
You get a random text. “Hi.” Seems harmless enough, right? You respond, thinking it’s just a mistaken number. They apologize, maybe mention they’re new in town or recently moved to the U.S., and suggest getting to know each other. They’re friendly, they’re engaging, and before you know it, you’re chatting regularly.
But here’s the first red flag: They suggest moving the conversation to Telegram. Why Telegram? Because it’s a non-U.S. company that doesn’t comply with U.S. laws, making it a haven for scammers. It’s incredibly easy to create fake accounts and work through VPNs, ensuring they stay anonymous and untraceable. Telegram offers features that are tailor-made for scammers—like secret chats, disappearing messages (implemented long before WhatsApp), the ability to hide your number, and even delete entire chat histories for both sides.
Over time, these scammers play the long game. They keep the conversation going, gradually building trust. It’s not just a few days of chatting—it can be weeks, months, or even longer.
They might share details about their life, listen attentively to your stories, and gradually work to build a relationship with you. Sometimes, they even prey on those looking for romance, creating an emotional connection before slowly, almost imperceptibly, steering the conversation toward investments.
They mention how they’ve made money recently, or drop hints about a lucrative opportunity you just can’t miss. They’re patient, never pushing too hard, just planting seeds.
Real Life Example
Take, for example, the story of a man who got caught in one of these scams earlier this year. It started with a simple “Hi” from an unknown number. After a few chats, the scammer—posing as a young woman who had recently moved to the U.S.—suggested they move to Telegram. Over the course of weeks, then months, and thousands of text messages, she carefully cultivated his trust. It wasn’t until after nearly 20 days of interaction that she even mentioned investments.
By then, he was hooked. He ended up investing $500,000—half a million dollars—into what he thought was a sure thing. But when the truth hit, it was devastating. “I was so sick to my stomach,” he said. “I just gambled on a card table, like red or black on a roulette wheel, $500,000, and I hit the wrong number. And I’m not a bettor. I’m kind of a cheapskate.”
This is the core of a pig butchering scam. They fatten you up with attention, trust, and seemingly great opportunities, then butcher your finances in one devastating move.
How To Protect Yourself
If you receive an unsolicited text from someone you don’t know, don’t engage—don’t even text back.
No matter how innocent or friendly the message seems, it’s best to ignore it entirely. Scammers are experts at turning a single response into a months-long con.
Protect yourself by shutting it down before it even starts. Trust your instincts, and remember: The best way to avoid these scams is to avoid any unsolicited communication from strangers altogether.
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