Who's really behind that random strange text from nowhere?

"Twice in the last week I've received texts supposedly sent elsewhere. The last one asked if I was 'available tomorrow evening.' I did not recognize the number but am active in an old people park so receive many calls and texts from unfamiliar numbers. I texted back that my wife thought we were available. A few minutes later, a text came asking if I was Mrs. Amy. I texted that I wasn't Mrs. Amy and had never been, but it was a problem. 

"A return text came thanking me for being so polite and the texter's appreciation for polite people and if I were ever in LA, I would be welcome to a backyard BBQ. Looking back, there were a couple more texts ending with 'I like to make friends with polite people.' The first text which I deleted was in a very similar vein and format. Is this a scam and why, for what?"

Unfamiliar numbers: The message comes from a number you don't recognize. For instance, you receive a text from +1-555-123-4567, a number not in your contacts.

Unsolicited contact: The text arrives unexpectedly, often with a friendly or urgent tone. Example: "Hey! Long time no see. How have you been?"

Personal touch: The scammer might use your name or reference a common activity to seem legitimate. Example: "Hi Sarah, it's Mike from the book club. Are you coming to the meeting next week?"

Too good to be true: Offers of prizes, invitations, or other enticing propositions are common. Example: "Congratulations! You've won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!"

Requests for information: The scammer may ask for personal details, either directly or indirectly. Example: "This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please reply with your account number and PIN."

Remember, these are all examples of potential scams. Always be cautious when receiving unexpected messages, especially those asking for personal information or containing suspicious links.

In Bill's case, the scammer employed a "long-play" strategy. By engaging in friendly conversation and offering invitations, the scammer aims to build trust over time. The end goal could be:

Malware distribution: Eventually sending a link that, when clicked, installs malicious software on your device.

Financial scams: Building trust to eventually request money or financial information.

To protect yourself from text message scams, follow these steps:

If you believe you've received a scam text, here are six steps to follow:

1. Don't respond: Avoid engaging with the scammer to prevent further attempts.

2. Block the number: Use your phone's built-in blocking features to prevent further contact.

4. Keep your information safe: Never click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited texts.

6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a data removal service to eliminate your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce spam, decrease the risk of identity theft and clean up your online presence by automating the removal of your data from hundreds of data broker sites.

While it's natural to want to be polite, as Bill was, remember that your safety and personal information are paramount. Trust your instincts, verify unfamiliar contacts and never hesitate to ignore or block suspicious messages. Remember, a true friend won't mind if you take extra steps to verify their identity, and a legitimate organization will have official channels for communication.

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.