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“Wrong number” SMS messages are a growing scam trend. Here’s how to recognize the scam and protect yourself from significant financial losses.
A short message, seemingly sent at random, appears completely harmless at first glance. But it is precisely this opening line – “Hey, are you Sarah?” or similarly banal questions – that is the start of a scam that is currently on the rise worldwide. These so-called “wrong number” text messages are not random occurrences, but part of a systematic method used by criminals to steal personal data, money, or even cryptocurrencies.
The insidious thing about this type of fraud is that the perpetrators do not make any obvious demands at first. Instead, they build up a seemingly friendly or even intimate communication over days or weeks. The victims feel understood, begin to trust – and realize far too late that this is a deliberate manipulation, warns cyber security company Panda Security.
According to the company, the perpetrators exploit two weaknesses: human politeness and loneliness. People who receive an unexpected message often respond out of pure kindness. Single people in particular are more easily drawn into long conversations that eventually lead to financial demands. According to international consumer protection agencies, reports of this scam are increasing dramatically. While the first waves of such fraudulent messages were often clumsily worded, criminals are now relying on AI.
Texts appear more personal, more individual, and often so deceptively real that even experienced users are left wondering. This not only increases the number of cases, but also the amounts that victims lose – in some cases tens of thousands of euros. The stories that fraudsters tell are varied: alleged business opportunities, dramatic personal fates, or exclusive crypto investments. Those who fall for it often transfer large sums of money – believing they are helping a “friend” or taking advantage of a unique opportunity.
Experts advise never replying to unknown text messages – not even with a short “wrong number.” Any reply confirms to the fraudsters that the phone number is actively used. Instead, the number should be blocked immediately and the incident reported to the respective platform or mobile phone provider. It is also particularly important to raise awareness among family and friends so that as many people as possible do not fall into this trap in the first place.
“Wrong number” text messages seem harmless, but they can have serious consequences. If you don’t reply, block the sender, and tell your friends and family, you’ll have the best chance of avoiding this scam. The most important rule is: it’s better to be safe than sorry – at least when the message comes from an unknown number.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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