The wrong number text scam

Scam guide · Updated October 23, 2026

What the text looks like

A number you don't know texts something friendly and casual. It asks when you're free for coffee, says it's been a while, or seems to be meant for someone else. There is no link and no request for money. That is on purpose.

What the FTC says is going on

The FTC describes a text from an unknown number asking when you're free to catch up over coffee. It says the invitation 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. (FTC)

The FTC's short answer on how to respond: don't. It explains that if you reply, even to say they have the wrong number, you let the scammer know your phone number works, which could lead to more calls and texts. It adds that they might apologize and then pitch you a scam, such as a secret way to make big money with cryptocurrency, which the FTC says is always a scam. (FTC)

Signs it's a scam

• It comes from a number you don't know and acts like you already know each other. (FTC)
• It's a "wrong number" that wants a reply. The FTC says replying, even to correct them, confirms your number is active. (FTC)
• It turns into a pitch. The FTC gives a crypto money-making offer as an example, and says that is always a scam. (FTC)
• It has a link. The FTC says not to click links in unexpected text messages, because they might steal your information or install malware on your device. (FTC)

The FTC also notes that some messages from unknown numbers might be legitimate, but that this isn't your doctor's office confirming an upcoming appointment. (FTC)

What to do

1. Don't reply. That includes "wrong number" and "who is this?" (FTC)
2. Don't tap links. Scammers want you to react fast, but the FTC says it's best to stop and check it out, or just delete it. (FTC)
3. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM). The FTC says copying the message and forwarding it to 7726 helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in future. (FTC) See how to report a scam text.
4. Block and filter. The FTC has a separate page on how to recognize and report spam text messages, including blocking and filtering on your phone. Read it on the FTC site.
5. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (FTC)

If you already replied

A reply by itself isn't a loss, but it does tell the sender your number is live, so expect more messages. Stop replying, block the number, and report it. If they sent a link and you tapped it, don't enter any passwords, and check your accounts. If you sent money or card details, call your bank or card issuer using the number on the back of your card.

Common questions

Should I tell them it's a wrong number?

The FTC says no. Replying, even to say they have the wrong number, lets the scammer know your phone number works, which could lead to more calls and texts.

Why would a scammer send a friendly text with no link?

The FTC says the text is probably a scammer looking to start a conversation. Once you reply, they may apologize and then pitch a scam, such as a cryptocurrency offer.

Where do I report it?

The FTC says to forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) so your wireless provider can spot and block similar messages, and to report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

• FTC Consumer Advice — "When are you free for coffee?" Long lost friend or a scammer trying to get you to respond? (August 5, 2024)
• FTC Consumer Advice — How to recognize and report spam text messages

Related: the "Hi Mom" new number scam, the job offer text scam, how to check if a link is safe and how to report a scam text.

Shieldr isn't affiliated with the FTC. Details are taken from the FTC's alert as of October 23, 2026 and may change.

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