Over the years, people have been complaining about receiving texts from unknown numbers and this has proven worrisome to many. If your phone vibrates and your screen pops up a text from an unknown number, you may want to shoot a reply or leave it unanswered. Although unknown texts may come from a stranger and sometimes, it may be a scammer. Let’s figure out, How To Reply To Unknown Text?
You can reply to an unknown text in many ways; one of them is “sorry, I don’t have your contact on my phone – please, who’s this? However, in this post, we’ll be shedding more light on how to reply to an unknown text. Also, we’ve added important tips on how you can avoid potential texting scams.
Ways to Reply to Unknown Texts
As you may know, there are various ways in which you can reply to an unknown text without sounding too friendly or harsh to the sender. Let’s take a look at the likely ways:
1. Sorry, I don’t have your number in my phonebook – who is this?
This is a very nice way to reply to an unknown text whether you feel the sender is familiar or not. Peradventure, you may have lost your old contacts accidentally, or you may have forgotten to add a certain number to your phonebook.
For instance, you received a text from an unknown number that reads “you looked stunning in your dress at the party last night.” Replying with the above response wouldn’t irritate the sender whether they’re familiar or not. However, if the sender reveals his/her identity and you receive another text saying “this is John.” You may try replying this way:
- Someone you know: “Hey John! I’m sorry about that – my phone’s contact list got wiped, so I didn’t your number backed up.”
- Someone you don’t know: “Sorry John, but I don’t know anyone by that name, I hope you find who you intended to text to!”
- Spam: If you think it’s spam text, the best way is to leave it unattended.
2. Sorry, I think you text the wrong number
The reply is clear and leaves no room for confusion. Here, you’re certain there’s a mix-up somewhere and the text is not for you. Using this reply means there’s no point wasting each other’s time – shoot this response to end the conversation even before it started.
For instance, your phone beeped and a text popped up on your screen saying “Hello Karate, I got your contact from Kingsley. Please, could you help me with the Villanox Project details.?” This kind of text is directed to someone else and not you. You can reply with:
- “Hi. Sorry, this isn’t Karate; I think you have the wrong number.
- “Sorry, you might have mistaken a few digits – this is not Karate. Hope you’re able to get in touch with her, though!”
3. Be straightforward
Some people make the mistake of trying to make fun of the sender by using goofy responses; you don’t need that. Ensure to treat others the same way you’d like to be treated; you may be in a similar situation next time – treat others with respect.
You may receive a text like this “hey Debby! I had fun with you at the concert last night. Thanks for sharing your number.” Instead of trying to catch fun with the text, be straightforward. You can simply say “hey! This is not Debby. Please, check the number, you might be a few digits off. Thank you.”
However, you don’t have to say your name or send a picture; it’s not advisable to send your picture to someone you don’t know.
4. Ignore suspicious texts
You may receive a text from a real sender and you may receive a spam text as well. If you feel uncomfortable with a text, the best way to reply to such texts is to leave it unanswered. We’re in an era where there are lots of scammers that send a single text to several people – it’s called spam text.
For instance, you may receive a text that reads “your delivery is scheduled on 12 June. Send your address to receive your surprise package!” or “dear customer, Bank of Canada is closing your bank account. Please confirm your PIN at bankofamerica.com/GAf6 to keep your account functioning.”
When you receive such texts and you don’t even have any pending package or have an account with the Bank of Canada, just ignore such texts and save the cost of your response.
Handling Suspicious Texts from Unknown Numbers
You may not avoid receiving spam or suspicious texts from unknown numbers. The ideal lesson is how you should handle them when they pop up on your screen. There are several tested ways to handle suspicious texts from unknown numbers and we’ll be looking at a few of them:
Block the number:
The first way of handling suspicious texts is to block the sender. This will help prevent further texts from this number. You can block a contact on both Android and iPhone IOS, all you need is to click on the “block contact” toggle.
Delete and report suspicious texts without replying:
Another way is to delete any potential spam without replying. It’s easy to detect spam texts, once it enters, and deletes them without replying to the sender. you can also report the sender, particularly if you’re an Android user.
And if you’re a US resident with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint, you can report the sender by sending the text to 7726.
Conclusion
Receiving a text from unknown numbers is one thing we may not be able to avoid. Then, it’s ideal to know how to reply to such texts, as some of these texts may come from our friends or loved ones that we’ve mistakenly lost their contacts or forgot to add their numbers to our contact lists. Also, some texts may be spam and you should delete or ignore such text immediately without replying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I mention my name while replying to an unknown texter?
No, it’s not necessary! You don’t have to say your name – not before the sender asks! In some cases, depending on the sender’s request, you may want to tell your name but it’s not necessary. Simply reply “Hi, I think you’re having the wrong number. I wish you good luck in your search for the right person, though!”
- Is it right to share my picture with an unknown texter?
While this depends on your choice, it’s not advisable to do so; you don’t have to share your picture with an unknown texter.
