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Glossary

Manufactured Coincidence (Wrong Number Contact)

A scam initiation technique in which the fraudster contacts a target under the pretence of a misdirected message or wrong number.

Also known as: wrong number scam, accidental message fraud, misdirected text scam

Last reviewed: 10 June 2026

Manufactured coincidence is a cold-contact method used to begin romance and investment fraud. The scammer sends a seemingly accidental message — a wrong number text, a misdirected WhatsApp, a LinkedIn message referencing a non-existent mutual contact — to create an opening that feels organic and low-pressure rather than a deliberate romantic approach.

The accidental nature of the contact is itself the hook: the target is not on guard against a romantic advance because none appears to have been made. Curiosity about the 'mistake' and basic social politeness encourage a response, which the scammer uses to begin building rapport.

This technique is particularly associated with pig-butchering and CryptoRom campaigns. A message from an unknown person that arrives as an apparent mistake, followed by friendly conversation and rapidly developing interest, is a documented entry point for large-scale fraud.

Examples

  • A person receives a friendly WhatsApp from an unknown number asking if they are 'David from the conference'; the exchange turns into a weeks-long friendship and eventually an investment pitch.
  • A LinkedIn message arrives referencing a restaurant booking mix-up; the sender apologises and begins a conversation that slowly becomes romantic.

Sources