How to Reply to a Text from an Unknown Number

Co-authored by John Keegan and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 16, 2022 References

Oof… your phone just vibrated, but you have no idea whose number is on the screen. Should you shoot the mystery texter a reply, or just leave them on read? The answer really depends on whether the text is from a stranger or a scammer. Not to worry, though! In this article, we’ve put together some specific replies that you can send back, and we've also included tips on how to avoid potential texting scams.

Section 1

The Best Way to Respond to an Unknown Number

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"Sorry, I don’t have your number in my phone—who is this?" Maybe your phone accidentally cleared away some of your old contacts, or you forgot to add someone’s contact info to your phone. If you think you might know the sender, a quick “who is this” text will get to the bottom of things. Here are a few sample responses you could send, depending on what the original sender says:
- Someone you know: “Hey Andrew! So sorry about that–my phone’s contact list is super out of sync, so I didn’t have your number saved.”
- Someone you don’t know: “Sorry, but I don’t know anyone by that name. Hope you’re able to find who you’re looking for!”
- Only reply if the text seems like it came from a real person. Leave the text unanswered if you suspect that it could be spam.
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"Sorry, I think you have the wrong number." This tried-and-true response leaves no room for confusion. There’s no point in wasting the other person’s time–or your own, for that matter. Just shoot this quick text over to resolve the matter right away, so the unknown sender doesn’t keep blowing up your phone with more texts.^{[1]
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Research source} If their message is clearly directed to someone else, you might say:
- “Hey! Sorry, this isn’t Kelsey; I think you texted the wrong number.”
- “You might be a few digits off–this isn’t John.”
- “Sorry, this isn’t Angelica. Hope you’re able to get in touch with her, though!”
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Be straightforward instead of playing games with the sender. Sure, it might be funny to reply to the person’s original message and troll them with fake or goofy responses. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, though: how would you feel if someone wasted your time with BS replies? Show the other person the same level of respect and courtesy that you’d like to be treated with.
- If you do reply to an unknown number, stick to texts instead of sending selfies. Never send pictures of yourself to someone you don't know.^{[2]
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Ignore the text if you feel uncomfortable. Remember–you don’t owe anyone a reply, no matter what they message you. Yes, it can be helpful to let the sender know that they messaged the wrong number. Still, your personal comfort and safety always come first. If you don’t want to respond, then don’t! The other person will eventually get the hint.

Section 2

Handling Suspicious Texts from Unknown Numbers

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Block the number if they keep replying to you. Frequent and/or low-quality messages (also known as spam) are really annoying to deal with, and blow up your phone with notifications. Blocking is the easiest way to get rid of these pesky messages; thankfully, smartphones have special settings that let you block calls and texts from a specific number.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Better Business Bureau
Nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting marketplace trustworthiness by educating consumers and reviewing businesses
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- iPhone: Pull up the conversation with the stranger in your Messages app. Then, hit the contact photo (it should be the default gray contact symbol). Tap on the “info” button beneath the contact’s name and then hit the “Block this Caller” option.^{[4]
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- Android: Pull up the Messages app on your phone. Then, press and hold the text conversation with the contact you’d like to block. Hit the “Block” option, and then tap “OK” to confirm.^{[5]
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Delete any potential scam messages without replying. Scammers use prizes, fear-mongering, and other ruses to steal your personal info and money. A suspicious text may ask you to claim a random prize, offer you a free gift card, “alert” you to an issue with your bank account, and so on. Trash any messages that look fishy and don’t bother replying.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
State of Michigan
Official website for the State of Michigan
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- Remember–if a government agency or police department wants to reach you, they’ll send official correspondence rather than a text.
- Don’t be fooled by a phone number with your area code. ID spoofing lets digital criminals fake their phone number to appear more trustworthy.
- Always delete texts from unknown senders if they ask you strange, pointed questions.
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Delete text messages with suspicious links without responding. The cons of clicking on unknown links far outweigh the potential pros. Chances are, that link will lead to malware, stolen information, or something else equally bad. If the text sounds too good to be true, it probably is!^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
State of Michigan
Official website for the State of Michigan
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- For instance, a lot of prize scam texts will ask you to click on a link to claim your money.
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Text 7726 to report any spam texts you receive. This number applies to US residents with T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint. Copy and paste the text into a new message, or simply forward the old text on your iPhone or Android phone.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson
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Warnings

Never ever give out your personal information to an unknown person or change your personal information on the advice of an unknown individual.^{[9]
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