Research from security firm McAfee reported by CNBC indicates that around 25% of Americans have received wrong number texts. But this isn't the only widespread text message scam currently circulating. The unpaid tolls and unpaid parking fee schemes are phishing attempts that may seem legitimate at first glance but ultimately lead you to hand your credit card information over to thieves. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a five-fold increase over 2020.
After that, scammers try to build a relationship (often romantic) and gain your trust over days and months by preying on loneliness and a desire for connection. This can turn into a so-called "pig butchering" scam, with fraudsters soliciting investments or convincing you to hand over retirement savings, a long con that potentially comes with a big payday. But even if victims don't end up sending money, any information they provide (even if innocuous) can be used or sold on the dark web.
What to do if you receive a random text
If you receive a text from a number you don't know, don't respond, as doing so validates your phone number. Even if you don't engage in this exchange any further, you may be targeted again in the future (and by different unfamiliar numbers). You also don't need to try to find out who they are or whether you know them—if someone actually needs to reach you, they are likely to follow up with multiple messages or calls beyond a single "Hey, how are you?" And as with any scam, be wary of communication that provokes an emotional response or a sense of urgency.
Report Junk. If you haven't opened the message yet, you can also swipe left and tap the Trash icon > Delete and Report Junk. (Note that you can't report a message if you've replied to it, which is another reason not to do so.)
Report spam > OK. If you've already opened the conversation, hit More options > Details > Block & report spam > OK.
You can also forward spam messages to 7726, which helps wireless companies identify and block scams.
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