high severity10 April 2026· Global
Warning: “Wrong number” texts that lead to investment scams
A friendly “wrong number” text can be the opening move of a pig-butchering scam that grooms you toward a fake crypto platform.
A common opener for pig-butchering scams is a casual “wrong number” text — “Hi, are we still on for lunch?” — or an out-of-the-blue friendly message. If you reply, the sender is warm, patient and persistent, building a friendship or romance over days or weeks.
Eventually the conversation turns to their trading or crypto “success”, and an invitation to join an exclusive platform. The platform is fake; early withdrawals work to build trust, then deposits are locked behind taxes and fees.
Let unknown “wrong number” texts go unanswered, and never let an online-only contact guide your investing.
What to do
- Don't engage with unsolicited “wrong number” texts
- Never invest through a platform an online contact introduces
- Be wary if a new contact steers talk toward trading or crypto
- If you've deposited, stop, save evidence, and contact your bank