Consumer Alert
“When are you free for coffee?” Long lost friend or a scammer trying to get you to respond?
You get a text message from a number you don’t know, asking when you’re free to catch up over a cup of coffee. Don’t perk up just yet. That invitation for a coffee date might sound like it’s from a friend you’ve lost touch with, but it’s probably just a scammer looking to start a conversation with you. Not sure how to respond? The short answer is: Don’t. Keep reading to find out why.
Scammers will say just about anything to get your attention. In this case, they might text you and ask if you want to meet up for a cup of joe. If you respond — maybe by telling them they’ve got the wrong number — you’re letting them know that your phone number works, which could lead to more calls and texts from the scammer. Or worse, they might say something else to keep the conversation going. They might apologize, then pitch you a scam — maybe by asking if you’re interested in learning about a secret way to make big money using cryptocurrency. That’s always a scam! The best way to handle this situation is to slow down and:
- Don’t respond to unexpected text messages like this from unknown phone numbers. Some messages from unknown numbers might be legit, but this isn’t your doctor’s office confirming an upcoming appointment. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
- Don’t click on links in unexpected text messages. They might steal your information or install malware on your device. Scammers want you to react quickly to unexpected text messages, but it’s best to stop and check it out. Or just delete it.
Learn more about how to get fewer spam texts and emails. And if you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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I usually like the consumer alerts from the FTC but this doesn't seem like a scam report to me. It seems more like an attempt to push out an article and a potential hypothetical text message contact scam that hasn't actually happened to anyone.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I get these texts often. I appreciated the info. I do usually respond with wrong number etc. but now I'm more informed.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Are you kidding? I get the 'coffee' emails all the time. I let one go for a bit just to see what the scam was. They are trying to get information. But if you stay on long enough, they will try one of a couple of scams. (Either trying get you to click on a link or asking for money.) There is nothing hypothetical here. These are real. Thank your good luck you haven't received one yet.
I get them in SMS, Telegram, Messaging and Whatsapp. I always report and block them.
In reply to Are you kidding? I get the … by Mike
How strange 😧, last month I started getting those too and I am so glad I decided to read all of this information.
I was wondering how to deal with it, so I came to this sight for help!! I even got mail too. It's starting to bug me because Iam getting them more and more. I'm confused alittle because, I want it to stop . And I want to be able to do things legally, and wonder if I can sue the company for this? I don't have any money for a lawyer but wish I could make the company stop. I read they were in a class action suit before and they had to pay out. So why are they still pursuing people in the same way?
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I found the article full of useful information. It confirmed my policy to avoid answering unknown phone call. (They can always leave a message.)
Forwarding to Spam excellent.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Apparently Killian is not receiving any nuisance texts yet, as mentioned in the FTC notice.
I get hundreds, and have to block any sender info that appears to be connected.
The names used are bogus, and the phone numbers computer generated to register any reply hits.
This is a valid warning announcement from FTC, even though it is at least a year late being published....
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Hi Killian,
This is a really common scam. Criminals usually get your phone number from data breaches, so these aren't random texts. They're targeted at you, trying anything to get you to engage. We know from research that the most effective way to prevent being the victim of a scam is to never engage in the first place. The criminals also know this, and work really hard to just try and get some level of response from folks. A response also tells them they are texting an active phone number, and they will continue to try and get you to communicate with them.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I did receive a text message like this - only it wanted me to come over for dinner. It was from a 786 number which is in Florida (2000 miles from where I live) and did not include a name or any other information. I wisely deleted it. I think the FTC knows what it is doing.
In reply to I did receive a text message… by Joanna Behrens
I have received messages from a dating site that I have no longer utilized since late last year I kept deleting them out that's one source to keep your name and info intact.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I did have this happen to me. Long lost friend on facebook messenger just saying hello after a long time and then they hit me with a bunch of pitches about Government money being available. She had been hacked.
In reply to I did have this happen to me… by ds
Also, on Facebook, do not accept friend requests, even if it’s someone already on your friends list. These deplorable scammers are now cloning accounts. It pays to stay aware. Have a good day.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Thank you for this article. My husband and I are constantly getting these text messages from unknown numbers and I have been reporting them to my provider. They ask questions too, like "Is this so and so? Do not respond yes or no. I think they may somehow take your response like they do on calls and manipulate it to somehow make it seem like it was you.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
This happened to me last night, only it wasn't a "coffee date", but a "We went to the same school together. Sorry I've been out of touch. Want to talk?"
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Actually I’ve gotten this phishing txt and other’s like it many many times. So, yes, it happens and it’s a legit scam. They’re trying to engage.
Sometimes it’s a simple “hi - how are you?” or it’s “hello - I’ve been thinking of you.”
Easy to fall for and respond “who is this?”
Lately I’m getting the so called recruiter, job txts. It never ends. Delete/block/don’t respond even if it’s me wanting to swear at them.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Actually, I get these all the time. When they come in, I don't respond. I add it to my blocklist.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Killian, I agree that this isn't much of a scam report - more of a general warning to not engage with unknown people trying to contact you. However, in regard to this scam "actually happening", I have personally received this exact text and many of my banking clients have reported similar. Bizarre that you would assume it's not real..?
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Not true. Scammers do this - it’s a very real thing and this message from the FTC is helpful. Just an example of some of the messages I’ve received:
“Hey, long time no see. How are you?”
“Is this Julie’s number?”
“Hi John. I heard you moved to Michigan.” That’s the first one I ever got and I responded, “You have the wrong person.” At which point he responded with a friendly remark. Eventually he started with the scamming. I don’t remember if it was for crypto. A lot of people, women especially, have fallen for romance scams where the guy pretends to message the wrong person, starts with friendly comments, soon starts with the “I love you, I’d like to meet in person” schtick. Usually the guy is on an oil rig, a doctor in a foreign country or someone in the army. Next they start asking for money in the form of gift cards or bitcoin, two things that can’t be traced, because they have had some financial issue and need their victim to send them money so they can come visit. Of course, they never show up. They have multiple accounts stolen from other people.
To make a long story short, this happens all the time. Thanks to the FTC for getting out the word on these and other scams.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Kinda funny you say that it hasn’t happened to anyone. My number is on the dark web and I get so many of these types of text.
Its real and happening to me. I block the number ASAP
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I found this to be very informative in defining and dealing with scammers. Thanks
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
I get these texts all the time. I appreciate the information. My friend was scammed out of her life savings via exchange started by texts and calls such as this.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
Really, YOU MUST be THE ONLY ONE...
By the way, I have a BRIDGE FOR SALE...
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
These attempted scams have happened often to me, and to a lot of people I know. I appreciate the consumer alerts and follow the tips - so far, I haven't been scammed or had my PC infected.
In reply to I usually like the consumer… by Killian Yates
You cannot be serious. I get these random texts daily.
I used to engage the scammer to waste their time, see when the con would come up, but then learned the safest thing to do is to not engage.
The confidence people have to say,” well I haven’t heard of it so it can’t be real,” never ceases to astound me.
I've received scam text messages much like the one the FTC is outlining for everyone. These fishing attempts are unfortunately, very very real.
Thank you for being vigilant in looking after the public interest. I appreciate your messages very much.
Thank you!
Something similar happened to me. Fortunately, I stopped and thought about it a minute and realized--since I didn't know the number of the sender--it was likely a scam. I deleted and blocked the number.
Thanks for the reminder to stop and think a moment before automatically responding to any text that shows up.
I did receive the message to invite for coffee, I send to scam. Thanks for the info and scams that are out there. The IT world is not safe. Cost money but not safe.
Thanks for the alert.
Uhhh yes..this scam has been going on for awhile. I get them but usually thy are diverted to spam. I never answer. But there have been those trapped by this seemingly innocuous message and it didn't end well in most cases.
I know it's a scam. I never respond; just delete it then BLOCK that number.
Have received some of these my self.
Thanks for the concern
Got one of these and it even included my name, said it was my niece wanting to get together, but the number was not my nieces so I called her, and she did not send it. I am still clueless not only how they got my name, but the nick name my niece uses for me. I did select the delete and report feature, but will be using the SPAM report option going forward as well.
I have been scammed by a company worldwide express Company saying I have a package from Afghanistan $171,000 I spent trying to clear it up. A military love Scam
I do not say Hello. Hello switches their phone on. I wait about six seconds and say, bon jour. the line goes dead. If it is a legitimate call they will say something. Other times I say guten tag. That works. I have used Bitte Sie Nacht den ton sprachen.
One outfit switched me to a "lawyer" to talk about getting compensation for an accident. I replied, Oh yes, the deer I hit ran into the woods. I don't have insurance and I doubt that the deer does either. He hung up and I haven't got any more calls from them.
This is useful for vulnerable populations, especially seniors who can still use a smart phone. People become easily confused with such invitations.
Could you please make this alert (and others) available in the major world languages, custom tailoring the translations state-by-state?
Thank you for the important work you do.
In reply to This is useful for… by Westerly A Donohue
Westerly, This alert is available now in Spanish. Scroll to the top right of this page, and click on Vea esta pagina en espanol to go directly to the Spanish version. Get consumer education in 12 languages at www.ftc.gov/languages. There are fact sheets to help people spot, avoid, and report fraud, scams, and identity theft, and for small businesses and people newly arrived in the US. Print and share the fact sheets, or order free pre-printed fact sheets in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, English, and Spanish at www.ftc.gov/bulkorder.
Great advice. Getting so many scam/fraud texts and emails that I am vary of emails from my banks! I use an alternate contact number to my financial institution. It's insane with messages coming what seems a local number, then actually can be from anywhere in the world.
I always find your information useful. As consumers we always need to be vigilant with our information.
This FTC alert is very timely. I received a text yesterday asking if I was free to do lunch.
If I don't know that person I don't respond.
yes this is real. I got an email telling me my costco membership had expired and costco would renew it for free if I wanted to respond. I was expecting a renewal notice from costco and responded. Dumb dumb was me and my bank called about a charge which I didn't make and so locked account. another charge is pending along with the first charge. The Costco web page looked exacly like the one you get when you log into Costco. They copied it exactly. They target old people and I wonder how they knew my account with costco membership had expired..Costco must sell our info.
I receive a message and been getting cal pretending to be the cable company and another Cals pretending to be from human resources department asking social security dob
I got one from a celebrity friend request from facebook. Just shooting the breeze about the happenings. I knew it was a scam so I told him I was an 80 year old disabled woman in a wheelchair and I was accepting all monitory donations in U. S. Currency. I never heard from him again!
Sometimes I just go along with the message like “hey, how are you and then tell them that I am getting ready to meet them” Even though I don’t know where when who or what but it’s funny to me. I continue until they say “oh wrong number” or until they don’t respond, but yeah, don’t click on any links.