How it unfolds
The FTC describes "wrong number" texts as an out-of-the-blue message that looks innocent, followed by a friendship (often romantic) and, eventually, an introduction to a bogus investment platform (FTC Data Spotlight, Apr 2025). Even a polite "sorry, wrong number" confirms your number is active (FTC, May 2024).
Read how the later stage works in crypto romance scams.
Look up the number that contacted you
Carrier, line type and location are free. Private: nobody is notified.
Signs
- A stranger who keeps chatting after the "mistake".
- Attractive profile photos and a wealthy lifestyle.
- A push to move to WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Talk of crypto, gold or forex trading, or a "mentor".
What to do
- Do not reply. Block and delete.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block the sender, then delete them. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If you have already invested, stop sending money and report to IC3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.