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CATEGORY
TEXT
TYPE
Smishing: checking to see if a number is active
CONTENT
“Hello”
HOW IT USUALLY WORKS
Hook: The attacker sends a vague, friendly text like “Hello” (or sometimes “Hi” or “Hey”) from an unknown number. The goal is to spark curiosity and get you to reply.
Engagement: If you respond, the attacker may pretend they messaged the “wrong number” and then try to start a conversation.
They may later attempt to build trust and transition into one of several scams:
Romance scam: Pretending to be friendly or flirty to eventually ask for money.
Investment scam: Steering you toward fake crypto or stock “opportunities.”
Phishing scam: Sending malicious links once they feel you’re engaged.
Outcome: By replying, you confirm your phone number is active, making you a bigger target for spam and scams. If you keep engaging, you risk financial loss, identity theft, or malware infection.
WHAT TO DO
DO NOT REPLY.
Block the number.
Delete the text.
Congratulate yourself for ignoring a scammer.
Disclaimer: The information in this database is shared to help raise awareness about common scams. It is not legal, financial, or security advice, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Please use your own judgment and contact official authorities or service providers if you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam.
