To think this is a scam

[KateMiddletonsExtensions]

Received a text saying

"Hi Kate, just to let you know my new mobile number, speak soon xx"

No sign off. How am I expected to know who it is? Am I bloody psychic? Or is it a scam? I put the number in whocalledme.com but nothing came up.

Has anyone else received a message like this? I've blocked it but screenshotted the text and number for future reference.

If they've actually used your name it's unlikely to be a scam - unless your phone number is all over the internet linked to your name, of course.

I would put the number into WhatsApp and see if there was a photo attached to it - if not just text back and ask who it is. If it feels dodgy message the person they're claiming to be on FB or something and see if they've got a new number.

Because it's not necessarily a scam? I've received plenty of genuine texts like this over the years.

Most of the scam texts are "Hi mum/dad" not "Hi (your name)".

How does "who is this" confirm what someone's name is?

If someone has their phone number linked to their social media why would a scammer send waste time sending texts? They would already know her full name and that that is her phone number and could do whatever digging you think would allow them access to her bank account

Any kind of new number message is a redundant unnecessary step in your hypothetical scenario

Scams work because people are foolish enough to respond to requests for money or bank details or authorisation codes not because they ask who sent a new number text

The hysteria on this thread is unnecessary

This is exactly what I'd do

Correct

Just ask them their actual name fss, could be a scam, could be a legit person you know but a bunch of strangers on mumsnet can't tell you which it is !

I'd reply to say something like

"This looks like a scam. I'm going to block this number. If you are genuinely someone I know please contact me using another method to explain."

Person sending knows that message needs followed up another way (so no ghosting potential) but scammer knows number is blocked.

For context, they used my actual name and I recently had some items stolen from my car including my spare house key so I'm wary. I've forwarded a screenshot of it to the police. That might seem an overreaction to some. It seems too convenient that it's happened now.

I also plan to ring the number from a phone box, that's if I can find one!

I don't have my phone number linked to social media.

I also plan to ring the number from a phone box, that's if I can find one!

Make sure you wear sunglasses, a mac and carry a briefcase🤣

And then they can see my WhatsApp profile can't they?

And then they can see my WhatsApp profile can't they?

You can set it so nobody sees it.

If they’ve got your number already then yea, they can put it into WhatsApp and see your profile pic and name on there, if it’s set to anyone seeing your profile pic. Has nothing to do with you replying.

You also don’t need to save them as a contact to check their WhatsApp. Go into WhatsApp, go to create new contact, type the number in and see what comes up. You’ll see the name and profile pic. You don’t actually have to continue And save them as a contact.

Honestly, this really isn’t hard or complicated. Calm down.

OP why not just reply ‘who is this’ and then block based on the reply if it seems it’s not genuine. What on earth are the police going to do? This is an absolute overreaction, this person has your phone number already I’m so baffled by the hysteria & not just asking a simple question!

@KateMiddletonsExtensions if they've got your number they can see it anyway.

And why call from a phone box? Just withhold your number and call from your phone.

Are you speaking to someone about your level of anxiety?

I’d have just text back asking who it is, then messaged them using the number I already have for them to check or asked some mutual friends if they’ve got her new number. If it’s not the real person then block everywhere and forget about it. This really isn’t a big deal.

What will that achieve?

Most people won't answer an unknown number 🤷‍♀️

I would be more concerned about the stolen key if I hadn't had my lock changed

@BarcardiWithGadaffia
Fraudsters are chances and a simply reply who is this as oppose to, sorry wrong number, may make the fraudster assume that OP name is Kate. Look up phishing!

I work with fraud victims on a daily basis who have been caught by phishing emails/texts or phone spoofing.

Google is your friend here, apart from mumsnet any site will advise you not to respond to unknown text messages.

I wouldn't have blocked or messaged back - as this would encourage a scammer. Just waited to see what comes next. It's either a scam or someone who knows you and forgot to add their name.

Really not something I'd contact the police or anyone else about at this stage.

High drama this morning. The officer in charge of my ongoing crime report has been brilliant and said I did the right thing.

@Theredoubtableskins if you'd been the victim of crime you too would be anxious. The officer called the number and called me back. It's my scatty best friend who forgot to put her name on the text. We all had a laugh about it.

Cue some posts accusing me of wasting police time ...

Imagine if there had been an easier way to find out who it was without involving the police!

Imagine contacting the police before sending a reply to say, sorry who's this? Scarlet for ya OP.