Wrong number text message crypto scam (pig butchering)
Take a breath. This happens to a lot of people, it isn't your fault, and there are concrete steps that help.
Take a breath: this happens to a lot of people, it isn't your fault, and there are steps that help.
“Hi David, are we still meeting for golf this Sunday? Oh sorry, wrong number! You seem very polite though...”
What to do now
Check their photos
Upload the photos they sent to see whether they're AI-generated or stolen.
Cease all financial transfers immediately
Do not send funds or pay "taxes / liquidity fees" to withdraw your money. Scammers demand exit fees to squeeze the remaining funds before blocking you.
Preserve chat logs and wallet addresses
Export the complete WhatsApp/SMS conversation and note all receiving crypto wallet addresses (TRC20, ERC20, BTC).
File an official cybercrime report
Submit an IC3 complaint (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center) or report to your national cyber fraud agency (Action Fraud UK, Scamwatch AU).
Emergency reporting and removal resources
Free, confidential crisis counselor, 24/7
Blocks sharing on participating platforms. Images stay on your device.
Free NCMEC service to remove images of minors.
Official federal cybercrime complaint center.
Write a DMCA notice for web hosts that won't remove the content.
Frequently asked questions
Why do scammers start with a wrong number text?
Accidental texts disarm normal defenses. People feel curious or flattered rather than defensive, allowing the scammer to build rapport without the skepticism associated with cold sales pitches.
Can the scammer let me withdraw money at first?
Almost all pig butchering operations permit a small initial withdrawal ($100 - $1,000) to build complete trust before urging you to invest your life savings or take out personal loans.
How do I know if their photos are stolen or AI?
Run the photo through Sealed Rose. Our forensic pipeline inspects deep neural noise prints, reverse face similarity, and compression discontinuities that human eyes cannot spot.