What it looks like
"Hi Linda, are we still on for dinner Thursday? Oh sorry, wrong number! You seem nice though, where are you from?"
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The first text looks like an honest mistake. When you kindly reply that they have the wrong number, the stranger apologizes and keeps the chat going. Over days and weeks they send good morning messages, photos of meals and travel, and ask about your family. It feels like a real friendship, and that is the plan.
Once trust is built, they mention how well they are doing with crypto, gold or a trading app, often thanks to an uncle or a mentor. They offer to show you how. The app or website looks real and shows your money growing. You may even be allowed to take out a small amount at first, which makes it feel safe to put in more.
When you try to take out a larger amount, there is suddenly a tax, a fee or a 'security deposit' to pay first. Paying it only leads to another fee. This fools smart people because it moves slowly, the friend never asks for money directly, and the account balance on the screen looks so convincing.
Signs it is fake
- A 'mistake' text that turns into a long, warm friendship
- Photos of a successful, attractive person and stories about their wealth
- Talk of an investment, a crypto app or a trading platform that pays big returns
- Requests to move the chat to WhatsApp or another app
What to do
- Do not reply to texts from numbers you do not know.
- Never send money or invest because of someone you met by text.
- Block the number and delete the conversation.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If you sent money or crypto, contact your bank or the exchange right away.
- Report it at ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov. Be careful of anyone who later offers to recover your money for a fee. That is a second scam.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Unpaid toll text
- Package delivery text
- Bank fraud alert text
- Amazon order or account text
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle