Extremely worried- received a really weird message

[weirdwhatsapp]

So basically, I received a harmless message on WhatsApp from a stranger and replied, it was typical chat at the start (sorry you’ve got the wrong number, oops I’m so sorry hope I haven’t disturbed you etc etc, no worries it’s easily done. That sort of thing) after those messages it got freaky. I don’t really know how to explain it because the messages werent threatening or anything but it’s definitely made me feel so uneasy and worried about it. I’ve stopped replying and I’m about to block the number (on WhatsApp and on my phone itself), but I’ve just got myself a bit freaked out (probably about nothing, but I’m the kind of person that worries easily!)

if this is a virus/scammer/bot- can they do anything about the fact ive replied to their messages? Can they hack me or my network or get access to anything purely from WhatsApp replies alone? Obviously I know not to press any links or download anything but wasn’t sure if me replying to the messages was dangerous in anyway.

thanks x

Im sure you will be fine. These types of scams tend to slow burn build a relationship up. Ive replied to a bunch to mess with them and never been scammed.

Nah just trying to freak you out \ build a relationship before asking for personal info or sending you a link to click. As long as you neither of these you are fine.

No, they can't do anything like that. The most they can do with the fact that you've replied is know that your number is "active" and that someone is using the number and you may be targeted by more of them, which is why I don't reply to scam messages or answer calls from unknown or withheld numbers, but in this case as it was "normal" contact, it wouldn't have made a difference.

Fgs I’m an idiot, I just realised I left out from my OP that the WhatsApp account is showing up on my phone as a business account (just incase that changes it or makes a difference at all)

No it's not dangerous but we can't really comment on whether it's a scammer without you sharing a bit more detail.

Just block, ignore and forget about it.

No- shouldn’t make a difference. As someone said, it just means that they may sell the number as “active” to other scammers but if you just block and delete as you receive them it should just be a flurry of them.

what exactly is worrying you? My WhatsApp shows as a business account too by the way. I'm not dodgy.

I had the same thing today from a business account- maybe doing the rounds!

Sorry, I wasn’t saying that it’s a scammer just because it’s a business account. I just wasn’t sure if that was relevant to if they could hack me or something! It’s just because the messages were a bit strange that I was freaked out. I’ve had scam messages before but this felt different and from what they said I felt like they knew details specifically about me

That’s so strange! Was it about a party by any chance?

Just block them. Nobody can do anything with your WhatsApp account by having your number and exchanging messages. The whole point of scans is that they try to make you feel scared or vulnerable in order to extract information / money. Don’t give it to them.

I get these quite often. Usually starts with a message clearly meant for someone else - and sent by an attractive young woman. My "wrong number" reply is met with a "thanks" and then "you look nice". Ah, ok, I see. Now I don't bother replying - just delete and block.

How about (hold your breath here) someone who typed the wrong number?

That’s what I tried to explain in my OP, it was that at first, but then the messages got weird! I’m also not sure if it’s just a coincidence but the person mentioned details which make me suspect they know a bit more about me than just a random wrong number

What do you mean by Wierd

What were the messages saying?

There are a lot of scammers about but I had one not long ago from someone who I don’t believe is a scam as they acted like they texted the wrong number and then tried to start a convo and then invited me to a party of to go for a drink.
I think they may have got my number off someone but I don’t know anyone who would give my number out without telling me.

I get why you feel paranoid though as it is weird.

I wouldn’t worry about them getting your personal details though (unless you give it out). I wouldn’t click on any links they send you though.

Are you sure it's not just someone on a wind up if they're giving you personal details about yourself?

No need for the sarky comment. The OP clearly says that the other person was told immediately that they had the wrong number and only then did the messages become weird.

How can we judge if it was weird if you haven't said what the weird messages said??

google the number

You’ve given us half a story.

what did the messages say?

The content of the messages might help

I’m really sorry, honestly I’m trying not to be cryptic but I know I’ve explained this really badly. I would just post screenshots but I dont want to be traceable and I’d rather stay anonymous. I just googled the number and there’s absolutely nothing for it. I went on the search scam number websites and there was no searches for the number either, me searching it was the first time it’s ever been looked up

Copy and paste the messages? Or just type what they say? We can't tell you if it's odd or not without detail

It's hard to say without know how the messages "got weird" but unless you've clicked on a link they sent you it'l fine. Do block them though.