Episode
How to Avoid ‘Wrong Number’ Text Scams
- Podcast
- Senior To Seniors
- Published
- Jun 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 325
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
The Senior to Seniors Podcast from Jim Mazziotti Beware of the "Wrong Number" Text Scam Have you ever received a text message that looked something like this? "Hey, are we still meeting for dinner tonight?" Or perhaps: "Hi Susan, just checking on tomorrow's appointment." At first glance, it seems harmless. In fact, many of us have probably responded with a simple, "I think you have the wrong number." Unfortunately, that's exactly what scammers are hoping you'll do. What appears to be an innocent mistake is often the opening move in a carefully planned scam that has cost victims thousands—and sometimes even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. The Scam Doesn't Start With Money That's what makes this scam so dangerous. The scammer isn't usually asking for money right away. Instead, they're trying to start a conversation. Once you respond, they may apologize and begin chatting. They often come across as friendly, polite, and surprisingly personable. Before long, what started as a simple misunderstanding can turn into days or even weeks of ongoing communication. Many scammers are patient. They know trust takes time. Some will try to become your friend. Others may create a romantic connection. They often use fake photos, fabricated life stories, and carefully crafted conversations designed to make you feel comfortable and lower your guard. Eventually, the conversation turns toward an investment opportunity, cryptocurrency, a business venture, or some other financial opportunity that sounds too good to pass up. That's when the trap is sprung. The reason these scams are successful is simple: Good people want to be helpful. Many seniors have spent a lifetime treating others with kindness and respect. Scammers understand this and exploit those very qualities. They know that if the…