Wrong number text scam: examples and what to do

Got a friendly text meant for “someone else”? Don’t reply, not even to say “wrong number.” Just block and delete.

It feels rude to ignore it. Scammers count on that. A polite reply can be the first step of a long scam that ends with a fake “friend” asking you to invest in cryptocurrency.

Check a suspicious text Check a phone number

Wrong number text scam examples

These are made-up examples written in the style the FTC, FBI, and BBB describe. The real texts change names and stories all the time.

“Hi, is this Linda? It’s Mark from the golf club. Are we still on for Saturday?”
“Hey, when are you free for coffee? It’s been too long!”
“Dr. Patel’s office here, your dog Max is due for his checkup. Please confirm.”
“Sorry to bother you, I think my assistant saved the wrong number. I’m Jenny, by the way. Where are you from?”

How the scam works, step by step

1. The "oops" text
A friendly message meant for "someone else." It feels harmless, and most kind people reply to say it’s the wrong number.
2. The friendly chat
The stranger apologizes, then keeps talking. They are warm, polite, and curious about you. Often they send a nice photo of themselves.
3. The move to another app
They ask to keep chatting on WhatsApp, Telegram, or another app. Scammers prefer apps that are harder to trace.
4. The friendship or romance
Over days or weeks they text every day. They may call you "dear" or talk about a future together.
5. The money pitch
They mention how well they do with cryptocurrency or a special trading app, and offer to "teach" you. The app shows big fake profits.
6. The trap
When you try to take money out, you are told to pay "taxes" or "fees" first. The money is gone, and so is the "friend."

The FBI calls this cryptocurrency investment fraud. You may also see it called “pig butchering” in the news.

6 warning signs

They keep chatting after you say "wrong number"
A real person who texted the wrong number says sorry and stops. A scammer keeps going.
They want to switch to WhatsApp or Telegram
The FBI lists this as a warning sign of investment fraud.
They are very successful, and very interested in you
Rich, good-looking, and attentive, yet texting a stranger. That story is made up.
They bring up crypto, gold, or a trading app
Anyone you only know by text who pitches an investment is almost certainly a scammer.
They ask you to keep it secret
Scammers tell people not to talk to family or a financial advisor. That is a big red flag.
You must pay to get your own money out
Fees or "taxes" before you can withdraw means the platform is fake.

What to do

Don’t reply. Not “wrong number,” not “STOP,” nothing.
Don’t tap links or open photos from the stranger.
Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), or tap “Report junk.”
Block the number and delete the text.
Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you only know by text.

Free tools to practice and check

Scam Text and Email Checker: paste the text and see the warning signs.
Phone Number Checker: see what can (and can’t) be known about a number.
Scam or Real? quiz: practice spotting scams, with a printable version for groups.
I got scammed. What do I do?: steps and free hotlines if you already sent money.

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Questions people ask

Is a wrong number text a scam?

Often, yes. The FTC lists "wrong number" texts among the top text scams. They start with an innocent message, build a fake friendship, and lead to a bogus investment. People report losing tens of thousands of dollars.

Should I reply to say "wrong number"?

No. The FTC and FBI both say not to respond to unexpected texts from unknown numbers. A reply tells scammers your number works, and they will try to keep the conversation going.

Should I reply STOP?

Not to a text from a stranger. The FBI advises not to reply "STOP" to these messages. Block the number and delete the text instead. (Replying STOP is fine for real companies you signed up with.)

How did they get my number?

Scammers buy lists of phone numbers, often from data breaches, and text huge numbers of people at once. Getting one does not mean you did anything wrong.

I already replied. What now?

Don’t worry. Stop replying, block the number, and delete the chat. Never send money, gift cards, or crypto, and never download an app a stranger recommends.

I sent money to someone I met through a wrong number text. What should I do?

Stop sending money right away. Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and call your bank. Our "I got scammed" guide has step-by-step help and free hotlines.

What about wrong number texts on WhatsApp?

Same scam, same advice. Don’t reply, block the sender, and use WhatsApp’s "Report" option.

Sources

Last updated: October 16, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.