All common scams

Wrong-number texts that turn into crypto investing

A friendly text from a stranger "by mistake" becomes a chat, then a tip about a crypto investment that only ever takes money in.

What it looks like

Hi, is this Anna? Sorry, wrong number! You seem really nice though. My uncle taught me an investment platform with easy profits. Add me on WhatsApp and I will show you how to start with crypto.

A made-up example. Real messages change the words, the names and the numbers.

The signs to look for

• It opens with "wrong number". A stranger who texted you by mistake has no reason to keep chatting.
• It moves the chat to a messaging app such as WhatsApp, away from the place where it could be reported.
• It brings up easy profits from crypto or an investment app. Payments in crypto are very hard to reverse.

What they usually ask for next

1. It often starts with a "wrong number" or a job offer that pays well for little work.
2. They usually suggest moving the chat to a messaging app.
3. After some friendly chat, they often bring up an investment or crypto app.
4. They often ask you to put money in, sometimes saying a fee is needed before you can take it out.

If you already paid, gave access or gave a code

These are the same steps the tool shows after a check, in the same words.

1. Contact the exchange or wallet service you used through its official app or a web address you type yourself. Use its own report or fraud flow, give the transaction ID and receiving address, and ask what they can do. Blockchain transfers are usually final, so ask about holds on the receiving account. Keep the ticket or case number.
2. Contact your bank, card company, or payment provider right away, by phone or in their official app, using a number from your card or statement. Ask whether the payment can be stopped or disputed. That depends on the payment type and the timing, and an outcome can't be promised. Phone is usually the fastest first move. Going to a local branch (a later step) is the follow-up, not a replacement.
3. Use the app's own report and block options on the profile or message. Do not send money or information to anyone who contacted you there, even if the account looks familiar.

These steps are general guidance. They have not yet been reviewed by the organizations named, and agencies, deadlines and rules differ by country, so use your own government's official website to find the right office. We can't tell whether any step will help in your case.

This is general information, not legal, financial or investigative advice. We can't promise any money will come back.

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