scam or not?

[maralagagirl]

Posting for traffic
Yesterday I received a msg saying Hi ( my real name)
It is ( a womans name lets say Ella).
Last time we discussed about my next appt. Could you pls comfirm as I have to arrive in x city ( where I used to live) by the 14/11
Love heart

Then 10 minutes later she sent
" ??"
I replied today " I don't know what you mean" "Who are you ?"
And hours later she has replied" Ella , girl name's mum"
Don't know anyone of either name. I guess it's a scam but I have no idea what for. It's like she's trying to confirm an appt with someone but I have no idea who she is . How did she know my name? I've checked with all the ( mostly adult) kids and none of them has ever met a person with the daughters name she gave me.It was very unusual.
How weird!!!
I guess AIBU - to think this is weird, just let it slide as a glitch in the universe
or IANBU - but I've got no idea what to do except maybe call the govt scam line when they open.
So strange.
Just after ideas really.

I think I'd just reply "Sorry, you have the wrong number"

Me too. Particularly if you have a common first name, or it could be someone on a wind up. But whichever way, you have no idea what the whole thing is about so whether it's a scam or just a mistake, then you tell them it's a wrong number (in case it's a mistake) and then block.

This is quite a common scam known as number farming or SIM farming.

Essentially, what the scammers try to do is build a relationship with the scamee through what seem like fairly innocuous questions which will ultimately lead them to divulge personal information, which the scammers harvest.

I would advise you to block the number immediately and use caution if you get anything similar in the future.

I work in an area related to cybersecurity and I know exactly how sophisticated these scams are and how easy it is to fall for them, so don't be too upset.

Definitely a scam. Delete and block.

Only people you actually know would send you a message like that.

All kinds of random companies sell your number/email and other companies buy the info and try to make money off it. Most of the mobile providers and ISPs have strong software to screen this rubbish but occasionally one slips through.

I wouldn't get involved, you don't know her, either it's a weird mistake or you are going to get dragged into some drama where at some point money will be mentioned.

If you get any similar messages contact action fraud it could be some sort of spoofing where someone (apparently) uses your phone number for something dodgy (they can put your number in front of theirs when they call their 'marks' so the return calls come to you). In your case maybe the person has paid for some appointment, but it was a scam and you get the flack. Hopefully not!

Could be a scam, could be wrong number. Just don’t engage