Americans Targeted By Sinister Wrong Number Scams

Wrong number text messages are becoming a gateway to sophisticated financial scams that have already cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars.

Quick Takes

Americans lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a five-fold increase from 2020.
About 25% of Americans have reportedly received “wrong number” texts designed to initiate scam relationships.
The FTC reports that 22% of scams resulting in monetary loss begin with a simple text message.
AI technology is making these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect.
Experts advise never responding to unknown texts and reporting them as spam immediately.

The Rise of “Wrong Number” Scams

A disturbing trend in digital fraud is sweeping across America, with scammers using seemingly innocent “wrong number” text messages as their opening move. These messages often appear harmless – a friendly greeting that appears misdirected, perhaps with a question about plans or a completed errand. They’re designed to seem like genuine mistakes, making recipients more likely to engage out of politeness or curiosity. What most Americans don’t realize is that responding to these messages confirms their phone number is active and monitored by a real person, making them prime targets for more sophisticated scams.

According to research from security firm McAfee, approximately one-quarter of Americans have already received these suspicious “wrong number” texts. The Federal Trade Commission reports that in 2024 alone, consumers lost a staggering $470 million to text message scams, representing a five-fold increase over losses recorded in 2020. This dramatic surge shows how quickly these scams are evolving and spreading across the country.

How “Pig Butchering” Scams Target Your Life Savings

When victims respond to these initial texts, scammers begin a carefully orchestrated process known as “pig butchering” – a disturbing term that refers to the way victims are “fattened up” with trust before the financial “slaughter.” The scammer builds rapport through seemingly friendly conversation, sometimes posing as a potential romantic interest. They may share photos, personal stories, and establish what feels like a genuine connection over days or weeks. This psychological manipulation exploits basic human needs for connection, particularly targeting those who may be feeling lonely or isolated.

The end goal is often to convince victims to invest in fraudulent schemes, targeting retirement accounts and life savings. Scammers may create elaborate fake investment platforms complete with realistic-looking websites and apps showing false profits. The sophistication of these operations has increased dramatically with the help of artificial intelligence, which allows scammers to target specific area codes and craft more convincing personas and investment opportunities. By the time victims realize they’ve been defrauded, their money has typically disappeared through untraceable cryptocurrency transactions.

Receiving odd texts for someone else? Rise of 'wrong number' messages is new payday for scammers https://t.co/63Tvxg1aA9

— DCI CyberSec News (@DCICyberSecNews) April 28, 2025

Beyond Financial Theft: Additional Dangers

The risks extend beyond direct financial theft. Information gathered during these scams – including personal details, banking information, and psychological profiles – can be sold on dark web marketplaces to other criminals. Some victims face “mini-ransoms” ranging from $200-$800 to regain access to social media accounts that scammers have managed to compromise. The scammers may also use the information for identity theft, opening credit accounts, or targeting the victim’s contacts with similar scams, creating a devastating ripple effect.

Other common variations include texts about unpaid tolls, parking fees, or package deliveries – all designed to create urgency and prompt recipients to click on malicious links. These phishing attempts can install malware, capture login credentials, or direct victims to convincing fake websites designed to steal financial information. Scammers continuously adapt their tactics, making it difficult for authorities to keep pace with new schemes.

Protecting Yourself from Text Scams

LifeHacker noted one primary strategy against these scams: do not respond to texts from unknown numbers. Even a simple reply confirms your number is active and monitored, making you a more valuable target. Instead, mark such messages as spam using your phone’s built-in tools. On iPhones, use the “Report Junk” feature; on Android devices, block and report spam through Google Messages. Additionally, you can forward suspicious texts to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on keypads), helping wireless companies identify and block scammers.

Be particularly suspicious of texts containing unusual greetings, mentions of mistaken identity, or attempts to move conversations to other platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram. Remember that legitimate businesses rarely initiate contact via text message, especially regarding financial matters. Finally, educate vulnerable family members about these scams, particularly older relatives who may be less familiar with these digital threats and more likely to engage out of politeness.

The increasing sophistication of these scams means even tech-savvy individuals can be vulnerable. The best defense is awareness and an abundance of caution with any unexpected communication. By treating unknown text messages with the same suspicion you would apply to unsolicited emails or phone calls, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming the next victim in this growing epidemic of digital fraud.