Scams are on the rise in Texas. We recently learned that romance scams in Texas are at an all-time high, and now, there's a new scam you need to be aware of. It's a text scam that, at first, may seem innocent, but it can turn into a nightmare quickly!

It starts with a text that seems like an honest mistake—something like “Hey, is this Sarah?” or “Oops, wrong number.” Harmless, right? Not quite. Texans are reporting a surge in these innocent-looking messages, but what seems like a simple mix-up could actually be the first move in a sophisticated scam.

It’s called the "wrong number" text scam and it’s become a growing threat in 2025, leveraging social engineering tactics to exploit victims' trust and curiosity.

How the "Wrong Number" Text Scam Works

Scammers initiate contact by sending a seemingly innocuous message, such as: “Hey, is this Kevin? Sorry, I think I have the wrong number.” Obviously, you'll feel the need to respond; this ensures to the scammer that your number is indeed a working number.

If you respond, even to correct them, they engage in friendly conversation, gradually building rapport; they may begin asking about your personal life, aiming at possibly a romantic relationship. Over time, they may introduce topics like cryptocurrency investments or personal hardships, aiming to solicit money or sensitive information. These interactions can span days or weeks, making the scam less obvious.

What to Do If You Get a "Wrong Number" Text

If you get a text from a number you don’t recognize—especially one that seems like a wrong-number mistake—don’t respond. Even a simple “sorry, wrong number” tells the scammer your number is active, which makes you a bigger target. Instead, block the number right away and report it to your mobile carrier by forwarding the message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”).

And don’t click any links or follow their requests to chat on other apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. It’s also a good idea to give your friends and family, especially older relatives, a heads-up so they don’t fall for it either. If you do suspect that you have been victim of this type of scam, here's a checklist of the steps you can take to report it.

Scammers are always finding new ways to get creative, but a little caution goes a long way. If a random text feels off—even if it seems friendly—trust your gut and don’t engage. Texans pride themselves on looking out for each other, so help spread the word and keep your community one step ahead.