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Original poster

Emergency SOS text received, from a person I knew 15 yrs ago but not met since 2011

183 replies

piddocktrumperiness · 27/03/2023 22:21

I received an SOS text from Apple, with a location of someone I knew 15 yrs ago. We worked together in a call centre but have not been in touch since 2011 and I didn't have her number stored on my phone. I looked up the number on WhatsApp- the photo matches the person. Location matches where she lives.

I initially thought it was a scam but thought best be safe- called her number, no answer, left a message on her voicemail. I sent her a WhatsApp too.

Have I been scammed? I've never heard or seen of this type of message before but what flagged up my doubt is that it said I was contacted as I'm listed as an emergency contact- which I know can't be true. I do wonder if my name was accessible from contact list due to my surname or first name.

Have I done something stupid here? anyone else experience this?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Laquila · 27/03/2023 22:22

Were you close at the time, 15yrs ago? Is it possible she had you saved as an ICE contact?

Cookerhood · 27/03/2023 22:22

It's a common scam. We're they asking you to send money?

Redglitter · 27/03/2023 22:23

Probably something as simple as either a new phone or just found the setting for the emergencies. I did similar & sent a photo of my living room ceiling to several people in my contact list along with an emergency text 🤦🏻‍♀️

Original poster
piddocktrumperiness · 27/03/2023 22:25

@Cookerhood No money requested. Just a location and a text to say they have made an emergency call form this approximate location and that I am receiving this message because they listed me as an emergency contact.

@Laquila We weren't that close no, not ICE close

OP posts:
NoNeedToArgue · 27/03/2023 22:31

It's a scam.

HotToddyColdSauvignon · 27/03/2023 22:34

Not necessarily a scam, that wording is what Apple does send out depending on the type of iPhone you have - an iPhone 14 for example can recognise if you’ve been in a crash and send out that exact text to your emergency contacts list.

I think as you’ve messaged her already that’s all you can do OP. If you’re really concerned maybe give the non emergency police line a call and just give her location?

Original poster
piddocktrumperiness · 27/03/2023 22:40

@HotToddyColdSauvignon thank you
hopefully it’s not a scam, that she’s safe and that we can laugh about it.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 27/03/2023 22:43

Just dont send any money and don't send any requested 6 digit codes or anything like that and you'll be sound.

HecticHedgehog · 27/03/2023 22:50

HotToddyColdSauvignon · 27/03/2023 22:34

Not necessarily a scam, that wording is what Apple does send out depending on the type of iPhone you have - an iPhone 14 for example can recognise if you’ve been in a crash and send out that exact text to your emergency contacts list.

I think as you’ve messaged her already that’s all you can do OP. If you’re really concerned maybe give the non emergency police line a call and just give her location?

I had this last year from my husband's phone whilst he was on a fairground ride!

Blondeshavemorefun · 27/03/2023 22:55

Weird

But yes def don't sent any money or bank details or any identifying info

And see what happens

SaveMeFromMyBoobs · 27/03/2023 23:01

I'd give non emergency number a call if you're worried. Don't send them any money or codes. If the police are concerned they will go check on them.

Zonder · 27/03/2023 23:05

Do you know any of their friends or family you can check in with?

billybear · 27/03/2023 23:17

just had a warning in our local area of whats app new scans,dont sent for any codes,ignore it,

Original poster
piddocktrumperiness · 27/03/2023 23:20

Thanks everyone
there are no requests for codes. It was just that automated msg from apple.

OP posts:
ThePastKnocks · 27/03/2023 23:37

I would contact the police on 101 and let them know. I used to have something similar on my phone. I accidentally activated it once but I'd want someone to take it seriously if I were in danger. If she's not answering, that would be a worry for me.

Original poster
piddocktrumperiness · 27/03/2023 23:46

I have now contacted them. They said the message was unusual (therefore not necessarily scam)
I gave them the pinpoint location. They said there is a river apparently round the corner (I live the other side of the country so not familiar) . They said they’re sending blue lights.

im hoping all is ok. She’ll wake up to all sorts of messages of friends and family confused over the text

OP posts:
MaggieThatchersFridge · 27/03/2023 23:48

I think you’ve done the right thing- better safe than sorry etc. Hope all’s well.

SweetSakura · 27/03/2023 23:49

I hope she's ok

coldmarchmorn · 27/03/2023 23:55

NoNeedToArgue · 27/03/2023 22:31

It's a scam.

Explain the scam then.

BestBeforeDatex · 27/03/2023 23:55

.

stealtheatingtunnocks · 28/03/2023 00:00

I don’t understand, I hope your friend is ok, but Dan i understand this?

the phone can send an emergency alert to the whole contact list? Is it a special alarm message?

hope she is ok

runsense · 28/03/2023 00:11

Thank you for calling the police, you did the right thing! hopefully she is fine

VictorianBathroomTiles · 28/03/2023 00:14

NoNeedToArgue · 27/03/2023 22:31

It's a scam.

How?

Glitteratitar · 28/03/2023 00:17

stealtheatingtunnocks · 28/03/2023 00:00

I don’t understand, I hope your friend is ok, but Dan i understand this?

the phone can send an emergency alert to the whole contact list? Is it a special alarm message?

hope she is ok

So on an iPhone, you can save certain numbers as your emergency contact.

If you’re in an emergency, you press the lock button several times in quick succession, and it blares an alarm from you phone and sends a message to your emergency contacts. I am not sure if it gets activated in other circumstances (for example, Pp mentioned the newer phones can detect when you’ve been in a car crash).

It is therefore unlikely to be a scam as it comes through Apple. I suspect posters who claim it’s a scam are assuming it’s one of those “I’m stranded and need money” type texts but that’s not the case here.

BanningTheWordNaice · 28/03/2023 00:20

I love how people like to feel self important and jump to telling people everything’s a scam. Yes we’ve all had the “I’m stranded please send money text” but this is different. Hopefully it was just triggered by mistake!