The FBI and Federal Trade Commission warn that replying to an apparently mistaken message can identify a genuine target for a fraud that later demands crypto investment and bogus withdrawal fees.
A simple text from an unknown number may look harmless, especially if it appears to be meant for somebody else. But consumer warnings from the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission say that a polite correction can be exactly what a crypto scammer is looking for: proof that a real, responsive person is on the other end of the line. The safest response is none at all. If the message seems suspicious, forward it to 7726, which helps mobile carriers flag spam, and then delete it.
The usual pattern starts with small talk. According to the FBI, the sender may apologise for the mistaken text and then keep the conversation going until it turns into a friendship or romantic connection. Only after trust has been built do the pitch and the pressure arrive. The scammer may boast about easy profits from crypto trading and direct the victim to a platform they control. At first, the site can appear convincing, even allowing small withdrawals, which makes the gains seem genuine. The trouble comes later, when the victim tries to take out the full balance and is told the account is frozen unless “taxes” or other fees are paid first.
That tactic fits a broader fraud trend that authorities have been tracking closely. The FBI says crypto investment fraud was the largest source of reported losses in 2025, with victims reporting $7.2 billion in losses, while its Operation Level-Up programme has already warned thousands of people that they were being targeted and is credited with preventing further losses. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission says these relationship-based frauds are often carried out through wrong-number texts, dating apps and social media, and that victims are encouraged to keep investing after being shown fictitious early gains. The Federal Trade Commission has also warned that many crypto scams begin with online messages and rely on promises of fast, easy money.
If someone has already replied, there are several clear warning signs. Requests to move the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram, investment advice from a stranger, or a link to a trading app or website are all strong indicators of a scam. The FBI advises anyone who has sent money to stop immediately, not to pay any so-called release fee or tax to unlock funds, and to file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov with as much transaction detail as possible. Officials also warn that a second fraud often follows: a fake lawyer, recovery company or law enforcement impostor offering to get the money back for another fee. The FBI says it never asks victims for money, making any paid recovery offer another trap.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
