{
  "id": 16805215,
  "title": "What are wrong number text scams, and how can you avoid them?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/what-are-wrong-number-text-scams-and-how-can-you-avoid-them",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-27T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2296048/wrong-number-text-scams-how-avoid/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wrong number text scams are a type of attack where a scammer pretends to be a person who called the wrong number. These scams often involve a random text message asking a seemingly innocent question, followed by a request to be friends. The scammers may claim to have a personal connection with the victim, such as sharing a loss or pretending to be wealthy. They then try to persuade the victim to invest in cryptocurrencies, often showing screenshots of supposed profits. Once the victim agrees, the scammer guides them through the process of buying and investing in cryptocurrency, ultimately stealing the money. The scam may continue with additional requests for loans or more investments. If the victim tries to withdraw their money, the scammer may claim there are taxes and fees, forcing the victim to deposit more money. Victims are often blamed for losing their money, and scammers may even offer to help recover the funds, leading to a follow-up scam. Americans lost over $1 billion to romance scams in 2025, and scammers are not slowing down. To stay safe, be skeptical of everything online, avoid sharing personal information, and be cautious of gift cards and cryptocurrencies. It's also recommended to use a paid Telegram subscription to limit contact from unknown numbers.",
  "summary": "It's not an honest mistake; it's the start of an attack on your wallet.",
  "key_points": [
    "Wrong number text scams involve scammers pretending to be victims of a wrong number call.",
    "Scammers request friendship and invest victims in cryptocurrencies, stealing their money.",
    "Americans lost over $1 billion to romance scams in 2025, with scammers persisting."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}