Attackers are using “wrong-number” texts to identify potential targets for scams, according to researchers at Malwarebytes.

These texts appear to be harmless messages meant for another person, such as “Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?” or “Where’s the PowerPoint?” Recipients often try to be helpful by replying to let the person know they’ve got the wrong number. This reply, however, informs the threat actor that the phone number is active and marks it for future scams.

Attackers are using “wrong-number” texts to identify potential targets for scams, according to researchers at Malwarebytes.

These texts appear to be harmless messages meant for another person, such as “Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?” or “Where’s the PowerPoint?” Recipients often try to be helpful by replying to let the person know they’ve got the wrong number. This reply, however, informs the threat actor that the phone number is active and marks it for future scams.

Source: KnowBe4
Source Link: https://blog.knowbe4.com/warning-replying-to-a-wrong-number-text-marks-you-as-a-target-for-scams