Wrong Number Scams Increasingly Target Mobile Device Users

Americans lost nearly half a billion dollars to text message scams in 2024, as fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated “wrong number” schemes that begin with innocent messages but can end with emptied bank accounts.

Key Insights

About 25% of Americans have received suspicious “wrong number” text messages, according to McAfee research.
The FTC reports consumers will lose approximately $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a five-fold increase from 2020.
These scams often lead to “pig butchering” schemes where scammers build relationships with victims before encouraging fraudulent investments.
AI technologies are making these scams more efficient by targeting specific area codes and mining social media for personal information.
Reports recommend immediately blocking suspicious numbers and reporting them as spam without responding.

The Rising Threat of “Wrong Number” Text Scams

A disturbing trend in digital fraud is targeting both Apple and Android users across America. These schemes begin with seemingly innocent text messages from unknown numbers that appear to be sent to the wrong recipient. The messages often contain friendly, non-threatening content designed to elicit a response. Once the recipient replies, even just to say “wrong number,” scammers have confirmed they’ve reached an active phone line and can begin their more sophisticated attack phases. The FTC has identified that 22% of scams resulting in financial losses now originate via text messages, with these numbers climbing steadily as tactics become more refined.

“Research from security firm McAfee reported by CNBC indicates that around 25% of Americans have received wrong number texts,” according to LifeHacker.

The simple act of responding to these messages validates your phone number, which scammers can then add to databases of confirmed active numbers. These databases may be used for future scam attempts or sold to other criminal organizations on the dark web. Security researchers have observed that the frequency of these attempts has increased dramatically, largely due to their effectiveness and the minimal resources required to cast a wide net of potential victims.

How “Pig Butchering” Schemes Develop

What begins as a simple wrong number text can evolve into what security experts call “pig butchering” – a scam where criminals invest time “fattening up” their victims before the financial slaughter. After initial contact, scammers work to establish trust and develop a relationship with their targets. They might pose as a potential romantic interest or a new friend, showing patience as they lay groundwork that can span weeks or even months. Their ultimate goal is to gain access to victims’ savings, retirement accounts, or personal information that can be monetized.

These scams are particularly effective because they exploit fundamental human psychology, especially feelings of loneliness and the natural desire for connection. Once trust is established, victims may be convinced to make investments in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms or foreign exchange markets. Others might have their social media accounts compromised, leading to “mini-ransoms” where scammers demand $200-$800 to restore access to hijacked accounts. The psychological manipulation is subtle but powerful, making even cautious individuals vulnerable.

Receiving odd texts for someone else? Rise of ‘wrong number' messages is new payday for scammers https://t.co/tXeg7HPgf9

— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) April 26, 2025

AI’s Role in Supercharging Scam Efforts

Artificial intelligence has become a force multiplier for scammers, making their operations more efficient and convincing. Modern AI tools can analyze social media profiles to gather specific information about potential victims, allowing for highly personalized approaches that increase success rates. Scammers are also using AI to target specific area codes, craft believable dialogue that mimics natural conversation patterns, and manage multiple potential victims simultaneously. This technology-driven approach helps explain the dramatic increase in both the volume and effectiveness of these scams.

Beyond the wrong number texts, related scams involving fake unpaid tolls, parking fees, or package delivery notices are proliferating. All of these are variations on phishing attempts designed to capture personal information or payment details. The Federal Trade Commission reports that consumers lost an estimated $470 million to text message scams in 2024 alone, representing a five-fold increase from just four years ago. This alarming trend underscores how profitable these schemes have become for criminal enterprises.

Protecting Yourself from Text Message Scams

LifeHacker reported that complete non-engagement is the way to avoid these scams. If you receive a text message from an unknown number, especially one that appears to be sent to you by mistake, do not respond – even to say the message was sent in error. Any response confirms that your number is active and monitored by a real person, making you a more valuable target. Instead, immediately block the number and mark the message as spam in your device’s messaging app.

On iPhones, use the “Report Junk” feature when receiving messages from unknown contacts. Android users can block and report spam through the Google Messages app. Additionally, forwarding suspicious text messages to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on a phone keypad) helps wireless carriers identify and block scammers. Being vigilant about protecting your personal information on social media can also reduce your risk, as scammers often mine these platforms for details that make their approaches more convincing and targeted.