Got one of those “wrong number” text scams. Grain of salt, people. I
Transcript:
Unknown Number (UN): Feeling good today?
Me: Might I ask who is speaking?
UN: Excuse me, are you Mary? I’m Daisy.
Me: No, I’m sorry, you have the wrong number. Have a good one!
UN: Sorry, I entered the wrong number. I hope you don’t mind.
Me: No problem.
UN: Thank you for your understanding. If you are not far from California, I can buy you a cup of coffee to apologize.
Me: I am very far from California, so no.
Daisy: Anyway, nice to meet you! I’m Daisy from California, and you?
Me: Aaand there it is. Sorry, “Daisy,” but this is where your scheme ends.
I then blocked the number and deleted the conversation. This has all the trappings of a “wrong number” scam, in which the scammer randomly cold texts the victim, pretending to have simply texted the wrong number. Once they get a response, they get to work trying to keep the conversation going.
The first red flag, which I actually missed because it’s fairly easy to, was the way the texter opened the conversation. Most people open new text conversations by identifying themselves. e.g. “Hi Ben, it’s Reed from work!” Beware text conversations that do not open with identification.
The next red flag was the way the texter apologized. Someone who actually texted the wrong number would apologize and then end the conversation. e.g. “Oh, sorry. Have a nice day.” Not so here; the texter intentionally leaves the conversation open-ended.
Next, the texter dangles the promise of a free coffee and an in-person meeting. Someone who genuinely texted the wrong number wouldn’t do this, as a wrong number text obviously isn’t enough of an inconvenience to warrant reparations with free food. the scammer is trying to lure in lonely people with the idea of a date.
Lastly, after that rejection, the texter tries to establish a friendly rapport with the victim. Obviously, a genuine wrong number text wouldn’t get this far. If the texter does this, they’re trying to gain your trust so they can fleece you later, under the pretense that you’re “friends”. Do not believe them.
These scammers prey on your good will. Watch for these red flags to keep yourself safe from scams like this.
Transcript:
Unknown Number (UN): Feeling good today?
Me: Might I ask who is speaking?
UN: Excuse me, are you Mary? I’m Daisy.
Me: No, I’m sorry, you have the wrong number. Have a good one!
UN: Sorry, I entered the wrong number. I hope you don’t mind.
Me: No problem.
UN: Thank you for your understanding. If you are not far from California, I can buy you a cup of coffee to apologize.
Me: I am very far from California, so no.
Daisy: Anyway, nice to meet you! I’m Daisy from California, and you?
Me: Aaand there it is. Sorry, “Daisy,” but this is where your scheme ends.
I then blocked the number and deleted the conversation. This has all the trappings of a “wrong number” scam, in which the scammer randomly cold texts the victim, pretending to have simply texted the wrong number. Once they get a response, they get to work trying to keep the conversation going.
The first red flag, which I actually missed because it’s fairly easy to, was the way the texter opened the conversation. Most people open new text conversations by identifying themselves. e.g. “Hi Ben, it’s Reed from work!” Beware text conversations that do not open with identification.
The next red flag was the way the texter apologized. Someone who actually texted the wrong number would apologize and then end the conversation. e.g. “Oh, sorry. Have a nice day.” Not so here; the texter intentionally leaves the conversation open-ended.
Next, the texter dangles the promise of a free coffee and an in-person meeting. Someone who genuinely texted the wrong number wouldn’t do this, as a wrong number text obviously isn’t enough of an inconvenience to warrant reparations with free food. the scammer is trying to lure in lonely people with the idea of a date.
Lastly, after that rejection, the texter tries to establish a friendly rapport with the victim. Obviously, a genuine wrong number text wouldn’t get this far. If the texter does this, they’re trying to gain your trust so they can fleece you later, under the pretense that you’re “friends”. Do not believe them.
These scammers prey on your good will. Watch for these red flags to keep yourself safe from scams like this.