New Scam Preys On Residents Willing To Engage In Random Conversation: CT Officials

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is warning residents about a new scam that bets on the willingness of people to engage in random conversations.

It's called a "wrong number text scam," officials said.

How does it work? Scammers send personal texts that appear to be from a friend or family member, hoping for a response. Responses reveal an active number and the scammers then try to initiate a conversation.

"Continued conversation can lead to revealing your name or where you are from. The sender may entice you to click on a harmful link," officials said.

Here is a sample of a scammer's wrong number text:

"Receive a message like this? Don't respond," officials said. "If the number is not on your contact list, report it as junk and delete."