02 Apr “Hey It’s Me…” – The Rise of Familiar Text Scams
“Hey, It’s Me…” — The Rise of Familiar Text Scams
It often starts with a simple, friendly message:
“Hey, is this {Your Name Here}?” or “Hi, I haven’t heard from you in a while!”
These texts may seem harmless—even relatable—but they’re part of a growing scam tactic designed to catch you off guard. Scammers are increasingly posing as someone who already knows you, hoping to spark curiosity and start a conversation.
How the Scam Works
These messages are intentionally vague. The goal is to get you to respond first. Once you do, scammers may:
Pretend to “realize” they have the wrong number and strike up a conversation
Build trust over time by chatting casually
Eventually introduce a link, investment opportunity, or urgent request for money
Some even use stolen photos and detailed backstories to appear legitimate.
Why It’s Effective
This tactic works because it feels personal. Unlike obvious spam, these messages:
Sound like a real person
Don’t immediately ask for anything
Play on curiosity and politeness
Many people respond simply to clear up confusion—unaware they’ve just engaged with a scammer.
What You Should Do
If you receive a message from an unknown number that feels overly familiar:
Don’t respond — even replying “wrong number” can confirm your number is active
Don’t click any links — they may lead to phishing sites or malware
Block and report the number through your phone carrier or messaging app
Delete the message to avoid accidental interaction later
Stay One Step Ahead
Scammers rely on engagement. The less you interact, the less power they have. When in doubt, ignore unexpected texts—especially ones that try to feel personal right away.
Staying cautious with unfamiliar messages is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your personal and financial information.
For more information on how to keep yourself cyber-safe, please visit https://unisonbank.com/security-tips.
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