"Wrong number" texts that turn into investment scams

Updated November 3, 2026

It starts with an innocent-looking message, apparently meant for someone else. If you reply to say it's the wrong number, the sender apologizes and keeps chatting. Over days or weeks they become a friend, sometimes more, then mention how well they're doing with investments and offer to show you. The "platform" is fake: it shows big gains, but the money you put in goes to the scammer. The FTC warns these scams often involve cryptocurrency.

Example of what it looks like

Hi Linda, it's Kevin! Are we still on for golf this Saturday? 😊

Example written by us, based on the warnings below. Real messages vary: the amounts, names and links change all the time.

Warning signs

A stranger who keeps chatting after you've told them it's the wrong number.
Quick friendship or romance, with photos of an expensive lifestyle.
Talk of investing, crypto or a special trading app, and an offer to teach you.
Pressure to invest more, or fees and taxes to pay before you can take money out.

What to do

Don't reply to texts from numbers you don't know. If you already did, stop the conversation.
Never invest with or send money or crypto to someone you've only met by message.
Talk to someone you trust before sending money. Scammers try to keep it secret.
If you've lost money, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov. Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM).

Sources

Not sure about a message you got? Safe to Tap checks texts, emails, links and screenshots and tells you in seconds whether it looks like a scam, why, and what to do next. Coming soon to the App Store for iPhone. Learn more.