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.
Yes, some scammers are posing as people who have texted the wrong number. Experts recommend you don't respond to texts from strangers — if nothing else, a scammer will know your phone number is active when you reply.
“May I know who this is?” is a much politer and formal way to ask “who is this?” so it's best to say “may I know who this is?” instead of “can I know who this is?”
Filter messages from unknown senders
Go to Settings > Messages, scroll down to Message Filtering, then turn on Filter Unknown Senders. When this setting is on, you can only see messages from people who aren't in your contacts when you go to Filters > Unknown Senders.
To reply on Apple or Android devices, double-tap or long press on the message and the 'reply' option should appear. Type your message, then hit send! This only works when you're messaging from one Apple device to another Apple device or from an Android to another Android.
To respond to “Who is this?” you should introduce yourself by stating your name and the reason for your call, if applicable. It's polite to identify yourself when making a call, and it also helps the recipient know who they are speaking with.
These messages are spam texts, also known as robotexts. The fact is, most spam texts don't come from another mobile phone. They usually come from a scammer who is sitting behind a computer sending a massive amount of texts from an email address or other messaging account.
For example, in the US, you can dial *67 before a number, and the recipient will only see “Private” or “Blocked” on their caller ID. Get a burner app. You can also send anonymous text messages using websites such as anonymoustext.com.
Spam texts are unsolicited communications sent to mobile devices via SMS or instant messaging apps. Unwanted texts usually come from unknown numbers or as robotexts sent out in bulk by auto-dialers. Just like other forms of spam messages, spam texts often promote a product or service.
When in doubt, try this simple trick: If you can replace the word with he or she, use who. If you can replace it with him or her, use whom. Who should be used to refer to the subject of a sentence. Whom should be used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition.
“As this matter is urgent, I would appreciate a reply as soon as possible.” “I would be grateful for your prompt reply.” “I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.” “I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.” (Slightly old-fashioned.)
In a word: no. You can't get hacked by simply answering your phone. However, you can fall prey to “vishing”—which is the verbal equivalent of “phishing.” Here, again, the intent is to create a sense of urgency, so you do not have time to sit back and think.
The Rule of Response: Always respond, unless you don't want to be friends with that person anymore. Yes, we are all busy people, and I know it's sometimes hard to respond when you know it will probably end up as a full on text conversation, but you should always respond.
The SMS or email message can either be anonymous or sent with your name. Please use this service appropriately under Australian law, the use of a telecommunication service to menace or harass is a criminal offence.
Anyone, not just hackers, can use spyware
One popular app, mSpy, monitors text messages, calls, and social media interactions.
Yes, it's definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages and it's certainly something you should be aware of – this is a potential way for a hacker to gain a lot of private information about you – including accessing PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity (such as online banking).
This leaves us in the unfortunate position of having to decide for ourselves, on a case-by-case basis, whether ignoring a text is fair or foul. And so we kind of end up where we've started: Yup, ignoring texts is rude. But there are lots of reasons to do so that may leave one without fault.
It's easier than you might think. Phone numbers can be found anywhere – thanks in part to so many data breaches. Often, hackers will find the cell phone number of their target floating around the internet (or from a phone bill in the garbage), and call up their carrier impersonating the customer.
Responses That Flirt Back
"You just made me smile." "I think you're really attractive too." <blushing emoji> "Thanks so much - I love how (insert another personality trait) you are too."