Warning from Gretna Police Department about the fastest growing digital scam. | Image credit-Gretna Police Department
This type of attack is called “social engineering” in which people are manipulated into performing certain actions or divulging personal information. The “wrong number” angle is key to making this attack work which is why these texts usually start with a name that isn’t yours. The scammers are counting on you to take notice of this and reply to the text by saying that the text went to the wrong person. The conversation kicks off and the scammers have several ways to get you to tap on a link, or accidentally reveal your password or the login info for your financial apps.
The attackers want you to be drawn into a conversation with them because if you do get involved in some texting back and forth, you might accidentally divulge personal information. As a result, your best bet is to simply ignore and delete any text you receive that is addressed to someone that is not you.
