"Hi Is This Michael?" Wrong Number Text — Pig Butchering Scam Warning
Wrong number investment pitch — weeks-long relationship before crypto platform deposit
Hi! Is this Michael? I'm so sorry if I have the wrong number. I was trying to reach my friend from the gym!
SMS
Confirmed scam
The 'wrong number' opener is specifically designed to feel non-threatening — a friendly accident rather than a pitch.
Typical victim loss: $5,000–$100,000
FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — investment scam median $9,000; FBI IC3 2024 crypto fraud avg $47,900/victim
First seen
May 2024
Category
Crypto
Attack vector
SMS
Trigger
Curiosity
4 red flags in this message
Overly apologetic tone
The excessive friendliness is designed to make you feel comfortable responding.
Relatable context (gym, dinner, doctor)
Plausible scenarios that anyone might relate to — increases the chance you respond.
No link or immediate ask
The absence of an obvious scam element is itself the trap. Long-game grooming begins with your reply.
If you reply, they don't leave
After your 'wrong number' correction, the scammer keeps chatting rather than apologizing and ending the conversation.
What happens if you click
Weeks of friendly conversation build a fake relationship.
Scammer presents as a successful investor and shares 'tips.'
Victim is directed to a fake crypto platform that shows profits but never allows withdrawal.
Average loss: $10,000–$100,000+. Often the victim's entire savings.
Other versions of this message
Scammers rotate wording to bypass spam filters. All variations lead to the same outcome.
Hello, is this Dr. Chen's office? I must have the wrong number, sorry to bother you!
Hi there! Are you still coming to dinner tonight? Oh wait — sorry wrong number, I'm so embarrassed!
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to reply 'wrong number'?+
No. The FTC specifically documents that responding — even just to say they have the wrong number — initiates the grooming process. Block without replying.
What is 'pig butchering'?+
A long-con fraud originating from organized crime in Southeast Asia. Scammers 'fatten' victims with friendship and fake investment profits over weeks, then 'slaughter' by extracting maximum funds. FBI reports individual victims losing $500,000+.
Why is this called 'wrong number' scam if they know it's wrong?+
The 'mistake' is deliberate. It's a social engineering technique to start a natural conversation without triggering your defenses. There was no accident.
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Check your message →First documented: May 2024
Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — investment scam median $9,000; FBI IC3 2024 crypto fraud avg $47,900/victim
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