Consumer Alert
Why it’s not rude to ignore “hi, how are you?” text messages from strangers
A text message from an unknown number that simply says: hi, how are you? seems harmless. Your first instinct might be to respond to see if it’s someone you know. Or maybe tell them they made a mistake. But it’s best to ignore these type of text messages. Scammers are using this tactic as a conversation starter, so don’t text back. If you do, here’s what happens next.
The person (a scammer) on the other end of the text will probably apologize…and find a way to keep the conversation going to befriend you. Then, once they have your trust, they’ll try to offer you advice on investing in cryptocurrency or claim they can teach you the secrets to making big money in the crypto markets. For a fee, of course. But it’s all a scam and they’ll just steal your money.
Even if you just reply to the text but don’t engage in conversation, you’ve still confirmed they reached a working telephone number. Which could lead to more calls and texts from scammers.
What’s the best way to avoid scams if you’re getting messages from numbers you don’t recognize?
- Don’t reply to text messages from unknown numbers. It could lead to a scam. Delete and report them using your phone’s “report junk” option or forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.
- Never click links in an unexpected message. Some links might steal your information, or install malware that gives scammers access to your device.
- Don’t trust anyone who says you can quickly and easily make money. Every investment has risks. Only scammers guarantee you’ll make lots of money in a short time with zero risk.
Have you lost money to a scam like this? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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You're absolutely right about this!
Yes even I know not to text someone that I don't have any idea who they are it is true that you should ignore them
In reply to Yes even I know not to text… by Shawn Rogers
Finding love at 60.
Don't say "yes" to the first thing the caller asks: "Hello. Is this ("your name")?
They record the "yes" and connect it to the question(s) about purchasing or subscribing to something and then you get billed, etc.
Instead, ask, "Who is calling, please?"
If you don't recognize the person or company, just hang up before they go into their "script."
In reply to Don't say "yes" to the first… by Sonia
Yes, we're programmed from years of receiving phone calls to say that word. Just a small 'yes'. And then - as I've read on this and other sites - disaster. Hard at my age to try to change this habit, but I'm trying to always keep that in mind!
In reply to Don't say "yes" to the first… by Sonia
When a caller, I don't recognize, asks me if this is Nora?", I never say yes. I, always, respond, "who is this?".
Thank you for the information. Most seniors are caught in these scams because we were taught to be polite, and don't 🤔 think of being scammed.
In reply to Thank you for the… by Judith Mitchell
Thanks for the valuable information.
Thanks, very useful.
Would not ignore or miss anything that you send! Good work.
Difficulty moving subject matter to reading further or other material. Thanks.
Is there anyway I can block the annoying text messages I get from political candidates, like Trump, and others?
In reply to Is there anyway I can block… by Tom Wagner
Political is a little different. Political and polling institutions have more latitude in what they can do legally. This would be a great FTC article. Generally you can request not to be contacted again and they are supposed to honor that.
In reply to Is there anyway I can block… by Tom Wagner
Only thing that works is the power button.
In reply to Is there anyway I can block… by Tom Wagner
Just type "Stop" and send. They will stop.
In reply to Just type "Stop" and send… by Shauna
“STOP” only works for the specific number they’re texting you from. They will keep texting you from other numbers.
In reply to Is there anyway I can block… by Tom Wagner
If I don’t know the number, I do not answer. These political advertisements are all over social media. No way to get around them. I, don’t mind the Trump ads, it the other side that I block, or press the mute button. Just a few more months!! Hang in there!
I didn't lose anything, but the person on the other end tried to "hook up" with me. I've never heard of this person in my life. I am not going to go out with some random phone caller, just because he had dialed the wrong number! He then thought maybe if he texted pictures of himself that I'd be interested, as a last resort. Uh....no sir! "Poof! Blocked and deleted!" What a disgusting male chaovanist pig!!
I don't understand why you can't block unverified phone numbers. Or at very least block google sourced numbers since that is where almost ALL the scam texts I get come from. There HAS to be a way to block anonymous texts and calls. It has gotten to the point for me that I do not answer my phone unless the number is in my contacts.
Isn't there some global way to block this phrase (and other phrases) in the subject box or message.???
Remember paying more for a private phone number. How would I do this with an email address.
Though privacy was strongly supported in the Constitution.!?
Great advice! I had an email scam from wire transfer to South Africa in 2016. They used you won the lottery through Windows and "do not tell anybody about it" The bank I used was Wells Fargo.
Got several recently. One said "I'm at the airport. Where are you?" Another said "Are you okay?" A third - I don't remember what it said, but again - no relationship to me at all. Numbers I didn't have in my contacts list (which would have shown anyway, like all the other texts I get) and questions that had no relevance to me or my activities.
So ... delete, delete, delete. ... I'm VERY good at deleting! :D
You’re so right I wonder how the scammers get my phone number I know a diversity’s of people who live in different states sometimes they have to stop answering their phones because of all the scammers phone calls and texts messages the scammers really take advantage of the older people especially in New Mexico I have never had so much identity theft until I moved to NM for six years straight I always have to contact the FTC your information is very educational keep up the good work
Madam/Sir, Sometimes unknown/scammers say that they have viewed this mobile number on YouTube videos. Some unruly viewers use abusive language to show the apathy towards that filthy singer. I lodged my complain several years ago on YouTube but it was not being processed. In recent years I reported such malpractices on FTC and then on Cybercrime portal of my country. After that last year I have noticed that the singer and his channels have rectified their contact details but even then unknown/scammers calls or WhatsApp me just to interact with that filthy singer. Yesterday one such unknown/scammer had interacted me for 10 minutes on WhatsApp and I reported it to the Govt agency along with WhatsApp. I was not aware that scammers are using text messages too to do scams. Thanks!
Thank you!
Very accurate and very helpful. Would be nice to narrow the scammers playing field to nothing if more people would follow your advice.
In the IT business and these are good messages!
KUDOS
Yep, it works and got me to the tune of $8,000 Bucks. That's what I call learning the hard way.
I feel like scammers are getting craftier by using phone numbers in the same area code. We need more education and awareness around scams and how to respond. Thank you for this post.
I generally just block these. But if I am in the mood, I will be as unpleasant with them as possible in as many ways as I can. If I discourage even one of these people, I may be saving someone else. Unpleasant can be anywhere from stringing them along as long as a I can you describing to them what low lifes they are in as graphic terms as possible. I don't recommend this for everyone. But these criminals deserve all the abuse I can heap on them.
I know what you mean when you can't get out of the habit of saying "Hello? Yes, this is ....." That "YES" can cost you a lot of money.
I had to train myself to answer the phone with "What is it?" when I don't know who's calling. It was difficult at first, but a little practice and you can do it. Avoid saying 'yes' or yeah or yep. Anything that can be used as you consenting to something.
Calls to me (when I do answer) go something like this: What is it? Is this Joe? What is it? Are you Joe? What is it? And they hang up. Guess they wanted me to say "Yes".
Job scams are everywhere. Please don't talk to people who claim to be from an employer who gives vague and unclear information about their company. If they ask for something in return, don't respond.
In reply to Job scams are everywhere. … by Kenton Stevens
But they promise to pay for all the work-at-home equipment you might need. 😄
No legitimate business does business solely via SMS or WhatsApp. 🤦♂️
Thanks for your thoughts.
I've turned off my "auto download" in my SMS message app. So if there's an attachment with a text message or AS a text message, if I don't know the sender, I simply "mute" anyone from that number, then eventually I delete them. If attachments are not opened or downloaded within a time limit (ie 24 hours), they expire. I still receive SO many political texts and I rarely interact with them, not even with the ones I know are legit. The only thing I have ever gotten from donating to a political campaign, is dozen more requests for money for political stuff.
Today I received the infamous letter, regarding the unclaimed life insurance policy worth more than $10 million U.S. They reached out to me due to their deceased client and I sharing last names, go figure!
The law firm in Ontario Canada is Crawford, Nieves & Partners LLP. With an uncommon Hispanic last name, I got suspicious right away. I found no obit under his supposed name, of course I found the law firms website, which the partner writing the letter has her name, Crawford, Nieves & Partners LLP. Good luck to all of you and don't send anyone $, crypto or gift cards, unless you have dough to blow. Peace.
In reply to Today I received the… by Robert
I ALSO RECEIVED THE SAME LETTER DATED MAY 30TH 2024.
ALSO SHARING MY LAST NAME, ABOUT THE SAME THE INSURANCE POLICY.
THIS PEOPLE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THEY USE SOME ONE.
AND THE FUNNY PART IS THAT SOME PEOPLE WILL GO FOR IT.
In reply to I ALSO RECEIVED THE SAME… by MARIA
Susan Crawford contacted my dad and wants to split the 90% of the $10,550,300.00 .
In reply to Susan Crawford contacted my… by CRAWFORD, NIEV…
Idea? Send them a letter back doing the same thing!!
Thanks you
I have received 2 texts in the last two days. I look at my phone and there is a message saying "Your Prescence is needed at home" follow by about 4-5 emoji. it disappears in about 3 seconds. It is not in my message file.
I received a text from a stranger
Long time no see. Is everything all right?
California area code. I reported as spam.
DON'T RESPOND AT ALL TO NUMBERS YOU DON'T KNOW. NOT EVEN TO UNSUBSCRIBE.
Watch out for the romance scammers too. There's 1 in this thread......
I respond with Cat Facts until they get mad and tell me to stop texting them. 🤷🏼♀️
My husband got a text message inviting him over for steak dinner and wine. California #, he was thinking it might be someone he knew and responded Who is this? They responded with a name and ask if this was so and so. He said no, you have the wrong #. It should of enden there but the texter then apologized and giving information about him/herself and asking questions about where my husband worked. I told my husband to stop responding and delete, block, and report it now.
Received a text that used a real executive search company's name but the message said "Hey (did not address me by name), would you be interested in a job that is remote? May I send you more information?" A search company would not reach out via text out of the blue and not use my name. I reported it as phishing and blocked it. I hesitated for a moment when I saw what the company does but then my brain kicked in and realized that it was a scam.