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Original poster

Bit scared by What's App message I received

136 replies

Whatsappmessage · 17/03/2021 15:53

It's from a number I don't know, profile pic I don't recognise of just a man's face and says

"Thanks you for a card"

Then a message with the mobile number that has sent the message.

I blocked the number and didn't think much of it earlier as busy but since had a missed call from the number, (I didn't realise) and then picked up a call just now as expecting an important call which could have come from a mobile number. There was a delay and then the voice said "hello" and I realised which number it was so hung up and blocked.

It definitely feels like something dodgy and not just mistaken identity, I'm used to the odd spam call or text and don't think anything of it but this one has really weirded me out for some reason - has anyone had the same?

OP posts:
SilverBirchWithout · 17/03/2021 16:40

Being elderly would also explain “thanks you for a card”. They may be more used to Facebook where a post has the person’s name at the beginning of a post. So it would read “Joe Bloggs thanks you for a card”.
Definitely the sort of middle my late FIL would have got himself involved in!

Roussette · 17/03/2021 16:44

I've had this sort of thing...

Him... Hi Justine, don't forget about that deposit for the weekend away, it will be great.

Me... Sorry, wrong number, I'm not Justine

Him... Are you sure? Rob gave me your number, you know Rob, he's married to Alice and went to Leeds University with Joe who works with Sue and they suggested you might want to go on this mini break. Sally will be there too, she's really looking forward to seeing you!

Me... My head hurts with all that, NO wrong number!

Me blocks number.

Chooseausernamenow · 17/03/2021 16:45

@ChonkyChook

999 Now.
Don’t be ridiculous. Just block the number.
debwong · 17/03/2021 16:45

@ChonkyChook

999 Now.
Then LTB
jessstan2 · 17/03/2021 16:46

Try googling the number. That's what I do with unknown numbers and it is often a call centre (though they don't send pictures and thank me for cards). You will find out what area the call was from if you do that.

Cuppachino · 17/03/2021 16:48

999 Now

Oh behave.

HeartsAndClubs · 17/03/2021 16:49

This thread is getting ridiculous now.

99% it’s a scam of some kind. Profile picture of person in a blank room, delay when calling back the number, was it a mobile number or a different one? Either way, scammers can mask their numbers to appear like mobile numbers if they wish.

Unless you have a history of stalking/harassment I really fail to see why all the drama...

And bear in mind that if you ring the number back there’s every chance it will be a premium rate which you won’t know about until you get your bill...

Kinneddar · 17/03/2021 16:50

@hilariousnamehere

OP you can log it online with Action Fraud - I've had a few which feel more scammy than spammy and their online form is easy!
Why on earth would you report what appears to be a wrong number to Action Fraud

According to their site - Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The OPs situation is none of that. Shes had a wrong number!!!!!

Ahhwoofwoof · 17/03/2021 16:51

imagine actually calling 101

'I've just received a text message by mistake with particularly poor grammar, whatever should I do'

HeartsAndClubs · 17/03/2021 16:54

This reminds me of the thread where a poster received a message from a fb contact she hadn’t seen for about 10 years who told her all about his drama, his wife and then his son dying, and being stuck in a 3rd world country and how he needed money to get by.

So clearly a scam and yet posters were falling over themselves to tell her she should be giving him money because what if it was true and she was the only person he felt he could contact....

It’s little wonder that people fall victim to these scams when people seem to be encouraging it.

DadDadDad · 17/03/2021 16:57

@Ahhwoofwoof

imagine actually calling 101

'I've just received a text message by mistake with particularly poor grammar, whatever should I do'

I believe standard procedure for the call-handlers in that scenario is to say "try posting about it on Mumsnet AIBU" then hang up.
RaspberryCoulis · 17/03/2021 16:57

@HeartsAndClubs

This thread is getting ridiculous now.

99% it’s a scam of some kind. Profile picture of person in a blank room, delay when calling back the number, was it a mobile number or a different one? Either way, scammers can mask their numbers to appear like mobile numbers if they wish.

Unless you have a history of stalking/harassment I really fail to see why all the drama...

And bear in mind that if you ring the number back there’s every chance it will be a premium rate which you won’t know about until you get your bill...

No, 99% it's a wrong number. Someone trying to whats app 776890 and typed 776980 instead.
islockdownoveryet · 17/03/2021 16:58

@Swordfish1

Perhaps he simply typed a number in his phone wrong and thinks he is messaging someone else to thank for the card?

I'd have just messaged back. 'Sorry I don't know you, I think you have the wrong number.'
Job done

This , what’s up with people never had a wrong number before ?
Original poster
Whatsappmessage · 17/03/2021 16:59

Having fully accepted how daft I'm being, I've unblocked on what's app to say I think it's a wrong number. The message has been read so I'll let you know if he replies

He's quite young looking, assuming profile photo is of him

I don't know why all the drama either! Perhaps with nothing else to think about in lockdown my mind is getting a bit overactive!

OP posts:
HeartsAndClubs · 17/03/2021 17:01

Have you reverse searched the photo?

Jenala · 17/03/2021 17:02

I've had a whole conversation with someone on WhatsApp before who was referring to me by my first name, sent me pics of some guy asking when will we get back together etc. She thought I was joking when I said she had the wrong person. She had the wrong Jenala somehow. Bizarre, but still just a wrong number. Have no idea why the OP situation is unnerving.

LittlestBoho · 17/03/2021 17:03

It's obviously a wrong number. Just because he didn't use your official 'thank you' wording doesn't mean it's a scam! Why would you block him instantly? Just text 'wrong number, sorry', he'll apologise then you'll never hear from each other again.

DadDadDad · 17/03/2021 17:06

If a strange number calls it could be a scam or it could be a wrong number. There's actually quite a clever trick you can use to determine which: it's called.....

.... answering the call.

If they then say "could I speak to Mrs Jones please" you know it's a wrong number (unless your name is Mrs Jones). At this point, you could perform an act of kindness and tell them it's a wrong number so they don't waste any more time.

If they say "I'm phoning about the payment of £2000 which has been charged to your credit card" or similar then it's a scam - don't worry, the scammer can't literally reach down the phone line and grab your money. Just hang up. I hope that helps!

bendmeoverbackwards · 17/03/2021 17:10

@ChonkyChook

999 Now.
😂😂😂😂
toocold54 · 17/03/2021 17:12

I suspect it’s a wrong number but even if it is a scam then you shouldn’t be worried as long as you don’t give out your bank details you will be fine

Chewbecca · 17/03/2021 17:15

Yes, I would just have replied 'sorry, wrong number' as well.

Whenever I have done this, the person has responded, usually something like 'whoops, sorry'. Hope you get this reply from your mystery caller soon!

Nith · 17/03/2021 17:16

Given the gap before someone began speaking, that sounds like it was a recorded message and therefore a spam call.

Slurtdragon · 17/03/2021 17:17

Hahahaha 999 I hope that’s sarcasm!

Palavah · 17/03/2021 17:17

@CtrlU

Personally I would tell him where to f*ck off too and block him

Do you have a partner who could pick up next time he tries to call and tell him to stick his card where the sun don’t shine!?!

Why be so rude?!
WalkingMeAway · 17/03/2021 17:18

I’m now more baffled at all the posters who thought the ‘999’ poster was being serious 🤦🏻‍♀️