Sorry, Is This the Wrong Number?

Protect yourself

Be cautious of unexpected contacts trying to build trust and move the conversation toward money.

How it works

A friendly stranger texts you by mistake, starts a conversation, then introduces investments, cryptocurrency, or a guaranteed opportunity.

This is a long game. Weeks of friendly chat build trust before the investment pitch. The "platform" shows fake profits until you try to withdraw.

Red flags

A stranger who keeps chatting after the "mistake" is cleared up
A move to WhatsApp or Telegram early on
Any mention of crypto, trading or a mentor who's "doing really well"

If it already happened

If you already tapped the link and entered card or login details: call your bank from the number on your card, and change the password anywhere you used it. If you replied, expect more messages; block the number and delete the thread. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can act on them.

Where OpenEFA fits

Texts never pass through a mail gateway. Treat every unexpected payment link on your phone the way you'd treat one in email: open the official app instead.

Scam Watch No. 23 · EFA Security · efasecurity.com/scam-watch/ · Print this page and post it where your team will see it.

No. 22: Did You Make This $900 Purchase? No. 24: A Login Code You Didn't Request

Part of the OpenEFA MailGuard Scam Watch series. Published October 21, 2026 by the EFA Security team. Share it freely; a link back is appreciated.

At a glance

Type: Text Message Scam
Channel: Text Message Scams (Smishing)
They want: Your card number or your login
One rule: A wrong-number text that keeps going is a sales pitch.

Post it in the breakroom

This page prints as a one-sheet poster with no menus or sidebars.

Print this alert

Get these by email

One short alert when something needs your attention. No marketing, one-click unsubscribe.

All 24 alerts

Phone, email and text message scams, each on one page.

Scam Watch index