"Sorry, Wrong Number." A goldmine for Accidental-Text Scammers

March 18, 2025

Have you ever received a text intended for someone else? It may not be the honest mistake it appears to be. 

Scammers often launch long-game schemes in exactly this way. After sending a message intentionally addressed to the wrong person, they wait eagerly for a response from the target. Victims typically respond with, “Sorry, wrong number” or a similar kindness, assuming the person on the other end of the text is just an innocent individual having a hard time connecting with a friend. 

When the reply comes, the scammer starts up a conversation. Their reply looks something like, “My mistake. You seem nice. Since we’re talking, how’s your day going?” 

The scammer’s aim is to create an ongoing dialogue that leads to an eventual relationship. Once trust is established, the scammer sets a final trap, asking for a wire transfer or personal information that can be used for any number of identity-based crimes. 

Worth the Time

If this tactic seems like a long shot or like a lot of effort for little reward, keep in mind that a single scammer can manage multiple virtual relationships at one time. Not all of them will work, but when they do, it’s a high-reward-low-effort win. In the U.S. alone, the average take per scam victim last year was $3,520. 

Some of these scammers are even working in fully resourced call centers overseas where they learn effective techniques from one another, speeding the process of wooing victims along. 

With the added help of generative AI and other advanced technologies, it’s possible for scammers to automate the management of multiple relationships simultaneously to deliver even greater efficiency and better win rates. 

Text Scammer Warning Signs 

Fortunately, the good guys are learning from one another, as well. Victims have shared several common scam tactics in recent years. Here are a few to be aware of:

  •  Initial message is designed to startle or induce anxiety, like “Hey, are we still meeting for lunch?”
  •  Texts are oddly phrased or contain typos (although GenAI is making scam messages appear much more legitimate).
  • Questions and topics rapidly turn personal and intimate.
  • The stranger asks to move the conversation to another platform, like WhatsApp or another messaging encryption app.
  • After some time, the sender requests help, typically in the form of financial assistance to pay a bill, get out of trouble or make an investment.  

If you find yourself encountering any of these warning signs, cease communication and block the number. Report scams immediately as law enforcement is actively working hard to crack down on the fraud rings running the scams. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) or report to the FTC.

You can contact Bank Iowa’s team for help. We can assist in reviewing possible fraud situations and provide tools and resources that may be helpful.