Then: Years ago with no Caller ID. You received a phone call and the person asked for someone who didn’t live there, you would simply tell them they called the wrong number.
Now: You shouldn’t respond. That mistaken call, text, or email is probably a scam.
Scammers blast out seemingly random calls and messages to millions of phone numbers hoping someone will respond, even just by saying "wrong number." These criminals then strike up a conversation and use their bag of tricks to con you out of your money.
Because you're a nice person, your first response is to say a mistake was made. If you respond, a scammer will strike up a friendly conversation. They might even share some selfies, and they will likely be an incredibly attractive, friendly stranger! As the "friendship" grows, at some point (it might be hours, it might take months) they will talk to you about how they need money. This is when the scam becomes obvious, but when you're in a conversation with a friend, it might not be so obvious. That's why you should just not respond. DON'T even text back "wrong number." You don’t have to let them know they texted the wrong number. You’re not being rude, you’re staying safe.
If this happens, block the number. Depending on your phone, you can block and report phone numbers. You might have to click on the caller’s information to block the number. If the message occurred through social media, find out how to report scams on the social network’s website. After you block the number, delete the message so you don’t get confused later.
If you’ve already started talking to a stranger online after a wrong number text, message, or call, stop! Don’t send them any money for plane tickets or gifts. They might also suggest investments – this is a scam!
It’s not rude to not reply. If an innocent person really did text you by accident, they’ll figure it out when they don’t get a response. They’ll check the number and figure out who they meant to text.
(Source: https://www.staysafeonline.org/campaigns/thenandnow/avoiding-scams-don-t-respond)
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