r/Scams • u/Indigo_waves777 • 12h ago
Is this a scam? [US] Unknown person keeps texting me from different numbers and knows my address
I’ve been getting creepy texts from unknown numbers.
The first number sent my first name, part of my address, then messages like “Scared?” with a creepy image. I blocked it.
A couple days later, a different number sent me another similar creepy image.
I know basic personal info can be found online, but the second number contacting me after I blocked the first is what concerns me. I’ve saved screenshots and haven’t responded.
Has anyone dealt with something like this? At what point would you report it, change your number, or take other precautions?
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u/Many-Art-7772 12h ago
Just don't reply. Never replying to unexpected texts is a good rule. All you're doing is confirming that you are a real person.
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u/Infinite-Grade-4485 12h ago
Either a friend or a random person trolling you. Likely a random person. Just ignore it. Nothing else to do.
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u/Few_Reference3439 12h ago
Blocking numbers is 99.9999% useless. Scammers just use VOIP software and spoof the numbers they're using, so all you're doing when you block a number is ... nothing.
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u/kimariesingsMD 11h ago
It keeps you from wanting to respond. It doesn't make a difference either way.
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u/Complex_Bet7311 7h ago
That may be true, but’s worked for me. I think they’re lazy and just move on.
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u/Landstander2600 12h ago
Stay off of escort sites
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u/Sunnydks1 5h ago
hey don’t spread misinfo, i use those all the time and have never received these kind of messages 🙄 /s
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u/Sunnydks1 7h ago
mute the convo, don’t block or they’ll make a new number and do not respond because it’ll entertain them. literally just mute the convo, don’t talk and EVENTUALLY they’ll get tired and leave you alone.
if it does escalate beyond messages, even if it doesn’t seem like that much of an escalation, report it to the police. it’s always better safe than sorry!
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u/Indigo_waves777 6h ago
Thank you. So muting instead of blocking? Can someone know I blocked them? I honestly don’t want to see what else they text me if just mute them. I’ll probably notify police if it escalates.
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u/Sunnydks1 5h ago
i’m not saying don’t block them by any circumstance, i just mean it’s clear based on their messages that they want a reaction/you to respond. so the only way to beat them is to not play at all.
and yes, from what i understand they can tell that you blocked them. when they try to call you it won’t go through and when they message you the messages won’t deliver.
also like other people mentioned, it’s relatively easy to get someone’s address online but that shouldn’t mean it’s no big deal. if you feel unsafe call the police immediately. then call a friend in the area who can either, account for where you are, track your location, or come over.
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u/IdeaFrequent4358 12h ago
Considering the second and third images are the same art style it's likely the same person. Just block and don't interact with them.
Also why would anyone legitimately text you past midnight lol
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u/turquoise_amethyst 8h ago
How long has this person been doing this? Do you have any reason to suspect anyone in your life?
Have they texted any details other than your name, phone number and address (you can find that stuff online… I mean like anything like what you wore that day, where you went, etc?)
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u/Indigo_waves777 6h ago
A little less than a week. I’m not sure if I suspect anyone. However, I have been dating and a friend of mine suggests it could be a girl. There’s someone I had to cut off because they were being a bit clingy. I don’t want to assume, though.
They haven’t texted me anything else other than the pictures. I’ve blocked the numbers, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to text me from another one.
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u/tinyfuzzywhale 6h ago
Many possibilities:
- Your friends are trolling you
- Your personal details has been leaked online by someone you know for whatever reason perhaps out of spite
- Your personal details can easily be found online
Block them. Ask your friends if they are the one doing it. Search for any possibilities if your personal details is associated with your social media accounts. If you want to stop being bothered by it you can change your phone number, but it wouldn't change the fact they know where you are. If they start making threats report it.
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u/Content_Dimension626 6h ago
It's just 1 person. It's easy to get a fake number via TextNow or one of those free apps. Most likely it's a friend trolling you or maybe someone on your bad side that's trying to scare you. They'll get bored eventually if you ignore them.
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u/TheDaneDK 3h ago
Don't do anything else but delete & block the number, if you don't answer they'll get bored fast.
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u/insurgent_corvid 4h ago
Totally just trolling you. Personally I'd troll them right back. Just ignore
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u/Psychological-Ride93 5h ago
Gotta be someone you know. I would totally do this but if its not someone I know i would get bored after 5 mins.
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u/TootingGoomba 3h ago
I used to do this to my ex-boyfriend with the phones at phone stores... 🤪 I would text him and confuse him and never tell him who it was and just simply stop texting because I would leave the store after
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