Harper Lin
Receiving a text message from a stranger asking to play golf may seem like an innocent mistake, but it could be the start of a scam. This golf text scam typically involves an initial message asking about golf, a sport often associated with wealth and leisure. The scammer then attempts to build a rapport with the recipient, sometimes claiming to be from another country or city, and expressing a desire to be friends. Eventually, the scammer may try to befriend the recipient and ask for personal information, or pitch a secret crypto investment strategy, taking advantage of the perception that golfers tend to be male and have some financial means. While it might be tempting to string the scammer along, it is recommended that you do not reply to such messages, as this can lead to more spam and scams, and your number may be flagged as one that engages with scammers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the scam | Scammers send text messages to random people, pretending to have dialled the wrong number. They mention golfing, which indicates wealth and leisure. |
| Scam targets | Golfers, who are usually male and have some money |
| Scam procedure | Scammers befriend the target, and try to get them on WhatsApp. They pretend to be wealthy and eventually share their "secret crypto investment strategy". |
| Scam prevention | Do not reply to the text messages, even out of courtesy. Do not provide any information. Block the number. |
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What You'll Learn
The scammer tries to convince the target that they are wealthy
The "golf text scam" is a scam where the scammer tries to initiate a conversation with the target by asking them if they would like to go golfing. Golf is used as an icebreaker, as it indicates some level of wealth and leisure. The scammer then tries to build a rapport with the target, often by commenting on how nice the target is and giving some suggestion of fate in meeting this way. They may also share personal information to build trust and convince the target that they are a real person. For example, they may claim to be a woman from Singapore living in LA, as one Reddit user experienced.
A big part of the scam involves the scammer trying to convince the target that they are wealthy. This is done to make the target more likely to invest in whatever scheme the scammer is promoting. In the case of the golf text scam, the end goal is often to get the target to invest in a secret crypto investment strategy. The scammer may talk about their own crypto investments first to make it seem like a legitimate opportunity.
The scammer will also try to gather personal information from the target, which can be used against them in other scams or sold to other scammers. Even simply replying to the initial text with your name can be enough for scammers to confirm that you have a live number, leading to more spam and scam attempts. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not reply to these texts, even out of courtesy.
Some people may choose to string the scammer along, but this is not recommended as it will only flag your number as someone who engages with scammers, leading to even more spam and scam attempts in the future. If you receive one of these texts, it is best to block the number and move on.
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Scammers use wrong numbers to gather data
Scammers often use wrong numbers to gather data. This is known as a wrong number scam and is the entry point to multiple different types of scams. It is a common way for scammers to collect personal information, which can then be used to steal identities, access online accounts, and target individuals with more sophisticated phishing scams.
In a wrong number scam, the scammer will send a text message to a random individual, often with a generic greeting such as "Hey" or a golf-related message to indicate wealth and leisure. If the recipient responds, the scammer will then attempt to engage in a conversation and gather personal information, such as their name, age, location, or other details. This information can then be used to create a profile of the individual, making it easier for scammers to target them with more personalized scams.
For example, in the golf texting scam, scammers will initiate a conversation by asking if the recipient wants to go golfing. They may then try to convince the recipient that they are wealthy and share their "secret crypto investment strategy." This is a tactic to gain the trust of the recipient and make them more likely to invest in the scammer's scheme.
It is important to be cautious when receiving texts or calls from unknown numbers. Scammers can easily obtain phone numbers through data breaches, dark web marketplaces, or even by purchasing them from data brokers. Once they have a number, they can use it to harass individuals, steal identities, or access online accounts. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid responding to unknown numbers and to be vigilant about protecting personal information.
If you believe you have been a victim of a wrong number scam or any other type of phone scam, it is important to take action to protect yourself. Let your mobile carrier know right away and consider using identity theft protection services to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Additionally, be cautious when providing your phone number online and ensure that your security settings are tightened to prevent scammers from accessing your information.
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Scammers befriend targets and try to get them on WhatsApp
Scammers use various tactics to befriend their targets and gain their trust before attempting to defraud them. One such tactic is sending random text messages, sometimes posing as a wrong number, to initiate conversations and eventually steer them towards WhatsApp. This is done for several reasons.
Firstly, scammers try to avoid extended discussions via text as it is costly, and they are unsure if their target will fall for their scam. Texting platforms are also not suitable for their operations as they may require pictures, as in sextortion scams, or countless screenshots, as in crypto scams, to be shared. WhatsApp, on the other hand, is free and convenient for scammers to use, with about 2 billion users accessing it every month. It also has an AI designed to detect patterns of deceptive interactions, which can be beneficial for scammers to avoid detection.
Secondly, scammers aim to gather personal information from their targets, such as names, ages, locations, and even credit card numbers and WhatsApp codes. By moving the conversation to WhatsApp, they can gain access to more personal details, including chat histories and contact lists, which can be used to generate new targets. Additionally, WhatsApp's encryption prevents conversation monitoring, allowing scammers to operate without interference from safety measures.
Lastly, scammers use WhatsApp to financially exploit their targets. They may introduce cryptocurrency schemes, fake job opportunities, or lottery and giveaway scams, ultimately aiming to steal money or cryptocurrency. Scammers may also pose as tech support or offer exclusive" upgrades like WhatsApp Gold to trick users into downloading malware or giving up sensitive information.
Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when receiving random texts, especially those trying to befriend you and move the conversation to WhatsApp. Do not engage with unknown contacts, and never share personal information, money, or crypto with anyone you don't trust.
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Scammers try to get targets to invest in crypto
Scammers employ a variety of tactics to defraud individuals by persuading them to invest in cryptocurrencies. One common approach is to pose as a wealthy individual, indicating a certain level of leisure and financial stability, as seen in the "golf scam". They may pretend to be a new friend or romantic partner, expressing interest in getting to know you better and eventually revealing their secret crypto investment strategy. This tactic leverages the idea that if you believe they are investing, you should too.
Scammers may also impersonate businesses, government agencies, or celebrities. They might contact you out of the blue, promising lucrative returns on your crypto investments if you transfer funds to their account. These fake investment managers create a sense of urgency, claiming that your money is at risk and that investing in cryptocurrency will protect your assets. They may even impersonate well-known companies like Amazon, Microsoft, FedEx, or your bank, requesting that you buy crypto and send it to them to resolve a fraudulent issue with your account.
Another tactic involves creating fake crypto trading apps and platforms. They lure you in by initially showing your crypto balance increasing in value, encouraging you to invest more. However, once you've invested a significant amount, they lock you out of your account and disappear with your money.
Some scammers also use social engineering methods, such as blackmail or psychological manipulation, to gain access to your private keys or digital wallets. They may claim to have compromising information about your internet browsing history and threaten to expose you unless you share your cryptocurrency with them.
To protect yourself from such scams, remember that only scammers guarantee profits or big returns. Be cautious of individuals promising quick and easy money in the crypto markets. Never mix online dating and investment advice. Always conduct thorough online research about the company, person, and cryptocurrency before investing. Be wary of unexpected links or requests for cryptocurrency transfers, even if they appear to be from celebrities or trusted entities.
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Targets are advised to not engage with scammers
If you receive a message from an unknown number asking if you want to play golf, it is likely a scam. The scammer will often pretend to have the wrong number and try to build a rapport with you before inviting you to invest money in some venture or asking for personal information. Engaging with scammers, even to string them along, can be dangerous as it flags your number as belonging to someone who engages with scammers, making you a target for future scams.
Scammers use the golfing text scam to convince targets that they are wealthy individuals. They will often mention their secret crypto investment strategy, hoping that the target will invest money in a similar venture. This scam can also be used as a data-gathering exercise, where each bit of information you give is collected and used against you in other scams. For example, if you reply with your name out of courtesy, this information can be used to make the scammer seem more legitimate and friendly.
It is recommended that you do not reply to these texts, even if it seems like a wrong number. Do not provide any personal information, and block the number. If you have already engaged with a potential scammer, be cautious of any future spam texts or calls and wary of giving out any personal information.
Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to potential scams. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a scam. The scammer will try to befriend you and convince you that they are wealthy. They will then share their secret crypto investment strategy with you and ask you to invest money.
If you receive a text asking if you want to go golfing, do not reply, even if it seems like a wrong number. Block the number and report it if possible. Do not give out any personal information.
The scammer will eventually ask you to invest money in a crypto venture or some other type of investment scheme. They may also use the information you give them against you in other scams or sell your information to other scammers.
