It starts innocuously: a text from an unknown number. "Hi! I'm Sarah — I think we met at the conference?" or "Hey, is this Mike from the gym?" You correct them — wrong number. But instead of apologizing and leaving, they keep talking. This is the "Hello Stranger" scam, and it's the opening move of some of the most sophisticated fraud operations in the world.
Why "Wrong Number" Texts Are Almost Always Scams
Legitimate wrong-number texts happen. But legitimate wrong-number senders apologize and leave. Senders who continue the conversation after being corrected have a deliberate purpose: to build a relationship with you as the opening move of a pig butchering investment scam, romance scam, or other long-form fraud.
The Typical Progression
- Initial "wrong number" contact.
- Apology and friendly conversation — they're warm, interesting, often attractive (if they share photos — stolen from social media).
- Regular contact over days or weeks — good morning texts, genuine interest in your life.
- Introduction of a "side income" or investment opportunity they've been doing quietly.
- Invitation to invest in the platform they "use" — leading to eventual theft.
What to Do
- Do not engage with unknown numbers beyond correcting a genuine wrong number.
- Block and delete anyone who continues contact after being told it was a wrong number.
- Never share financial information or invest money based on a text relationship.
- Report to the FTC if you believe you're being targeted.
Rule of thumb: A stranger who texts you and stays engaged is almost certainly running a script. No matter how genuine they seem, do not invest money with anyone you've only met online.
Sources: FTC; FBI IC3; Global Anti-Scam Organization (GASO).