Consumer Alert
“When are you free for coffee?” Long lost friend or a scammer trying to get you to respond?
You get a text message from a number you don’t know, asking when you’re free to catch up over a cup of coffee. Don’t perk up just yet. That invitation for a coffee date might sound like it’s from a friend you’ve lost touch with, but it’s probably just a scammer looking to start a conversation with you. Not sure how to respond? The short answer is: Don’t. Keep reading to find out why.
Scammers will say just about anything to get your attention. In this case, they might text you and ask if you want to meet up for a cup of joe. If you respond — maybe by telling them they’ve got the wrong number — you’re letting them know that your phone number works, which could lead to more calls and texts from the scammer. Or worse, they might say something else to keep the conversation going. They might apologize, then pitch you a scam — maybe by asking if you’re interested in learning about a secret way to make big money using cryptocurrency. That’s always a scam! The best way to handle this situation is to slow down and:
- Don’t respond to unexpected text messages like this from unknown phone numbers. Some messages from unknown numbers might be legit, but this isn’t your doctor’s office confirming an upcoming appointment. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
- Don’t click on links in unexpected text messages. They might steal your information or install malware on your device. Scammers want you to react quickly to unexpected text messages, but it’s best to stop and check it out. Or just delete it.
Learn more about out how to get fewer spam texts and emails. And if you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.
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August 05, 2024
I usually like the consumer alerts from the FTC but this doesn't seem like a scam report to me. It seems more like an attempt to push out an article and a potential hypothetical text message contact scam that hasn't actually happened to anyone.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I get these texts often. I appreciated the info. I do usually respond with wrong number etc. but now I'm more informed.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Are you kidding? I get the 'coffee' emails all the time. I let one go for a bit just to see what the scam was. They are trying to get information. But if you stay on long enough, they will try one of a couple of scams. (Either trying get you to click on a link or asking for money.) There is nothing hypothetical here. These are real. Thank your good luck you haven't received one yet.
I get them in SMS, Telegram, Messaging and Whatsapp. I always report and block them.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I found the article full of useful information. It confirmed my policy to avoid answering unknown phone call. (They can always leave a message.)
Forwarding to Spam excellent.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Apparently Killian is not receiving any nuisance texts yet, as mentioned in the FTC notice.
I get hundreds, and have to block any sender info that appears to be connected.
The names used are bogus, and the phone numbers computer generated to register any reply hits.
This is a valid warning announcement from FTC, even though it is at least a year late being published....
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Hi Killian,
This is a really common scam. Criminals usually get your phone number from data breaches, so these aren't random texts. They're targeted at you, trying anything to get you to engage. We know from research that the most effective way to prevent being the victim of a scam is to never engage in the first place. The criminals also know this, and work really hard to just try and get some level of response from folks. A response also tells them they are texting an active phone number, and they will continue to try and get you to communicate with them.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I did receive a text message like this - only it wanted me to come over for dinner. It was from a 786 number which is in Florida (2000 miles from where I live) and did not include a name or any other information. I wisely deleted it. I think the FTC knows what it is doing.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I did have this happen to me. Long lost friend on facebook messenger just saying hello after a long time and then they hit me with a bunch of pitches about Government money being available. She had been hacked.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Thank you for this article. My husband and I are constantly getting these text messages from unknown numbers and I have been reporting them to my provider. They ask questions too, like "Is this so and so? Do not respond yes or no. I think they may somehow take your response like they do on calls and manipulate it to somehow make it seem like it was you.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
This happened to me last night, only it wasn't a "coffee date", but a "We went to the same school together. Sorry I've been out of touch. Want to talk?"
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Actually I’ve gotten this phishing txt and other’s like it many many times. So, yes, it happens and it’s a legit scam. They’re trying to engage.
Sometimes it’s a simple “hi - how are you?” or it’s “hello - I’ve been thinking of you.”
Easy to fall for and respond “who is this?”
Lately I’m getting the so called recruiter, job txts. It never ends. Delete/block/don’t respond even if it’s me wanting to swear at them.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Actually, I get these all the time. When they come in, I don't respond. I add it to my blocklist.
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Killian, I agree that this isn't much of a scam report - more of a general warning to not engage with unknown people trying to contact you. However, in regard to this scam "actually happening", I have personally received this exact text and many of my banking clients have reported similar. Bizarre that you would assume it's not real..?
August 05, 2024
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Not true. Scammers do this - it’s a very real thing and this message from the FTC is helpful. Just an example of some of the messages I’ve received:
“Hey, long time no see. How are you?”
“Is this Julie’s number?”
“Hi John. I heard you moved to Michigan.” That’s the first one I ever got and I responded, “You have the wrong person.” At which point he responded with a friendly remark. Eventually he started with the scamming. I don’t remember if it was for crypto. A lot of people, women especially, have fallen for romance scams where the guy pretends to message the wrong person, starts with friendly comments, soon starts with the “I love you, I’d like to meet in person” schtick. Usually the guy is on an oil rig, a doctor in a foreign country or someone in the army. Next they start asking for money in the form of gift cards or bitcoin, two things that can’t be traced, because they have had some financial issue and need their victim to send them money so they can come visit. Of course, they never show up. They have multiple accounts stolen from other people.
To make a long story short, this happens all the time. Thanks to the FTC for getting out the word on these and other scams.
August 05, 2024
I've received scam text messages much like the one the FTC is outlining for everyone. These fishing attempts are unfortunately, very very real.
August 05, 2024
Thank you for being vigilant in looking after the public interest. I appreciate your messages very much.
August 05, 2024
Thank you!
August 05, 2024
Something similar happened to me. Fortunately, I stopped and thought about it a minute and realized--since I didn't know the number of the sender--it was likely a scam. I deleted and blocked the number.
Thanks for the reminder to stop and think a moment before automatically responding to any text that shows up.
August 05, 2024
I did receive the message to invite for coffee, I send to scam. Thanks for the info and scams that are out there. The IT world is not safe. Cost money but not safe.
Thanks for the alert.
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