Out-of-the-blue “Take this as a threat” message WWYD?

[LuckyOliveDeer]

I’ve known this person for about 3 years and we were texting normally yesterday. They live 4 hours away so I can’t go to see them.

Tonight not long ago completely out of the blue, they sent me a single message saying: “Take this as a threat.”
We haven’t had an argument and there’s no obvious reason for it

I'd text back asking if they were OK?

I'd think they've probably sent it to the wrong person by mistake. Reply and ask a threat to do what, exactly.

Text back a ?

Weird. I’d ask for clarification it was meant for me.

Sounds like they've sent this to the wrong person if it's completely out of the blue in an otherwise friendly exchange.

What were the texts immediately preceeding the threat one?

“Explain please”

they have now said they were making a joke.
I don’t find it funny

Is this a bloke? I'd block him if that's his idea of a joke 😠

Yes
I might but have known him for 3 years

Could they have meant it for someone else, snet it you by mistake and trying to cover up? Do they have an ex?

Txt him back “ok” and don’t engage in conversations further, then sort of phase him out gradually.
It’s a very weird kind of joke and would put me straight off.

I’d reply “bit weird mate, you’re gonna have to explain”

I would have just said excuse me? Even if it’s a joke, that’s a bit weird. I wouldn’t find it funny either.