FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist
Scammers are clever. They don’t just dive straight into phishing links or suspicious messages anymore — carriers have grown too smart for that. Instead, they use a tactic called “warming the number” to set the stage. It starts with a seemingly harmless text — maybe a friendly hello or a “wrong number” scenario. But make no mistake: this strategy is designed to bait you into responding, giving them the green light to target you further.
What seems like a simple text is actually step one in a carefully crafted scam. Let’s break this down, and more importantly, figure out how to slam the door on these fraudsters.
Learn more: How Xobee can help protect you with our secure VoIP Phone Service
What Is Warming the Number?
Warming the number sounds cozy, but trust us — it’s not. This tactic involves scammers sending friendly or casual text messages to a phone number, often under the guise of a wrong number or simple mistake. The goal? To get you to engage. By responding—even with a simple, “Sorry, wrong number!” you’re confirming that your phone number is active and that you’re polite enough to reply. That’s all the encouragement scammers need to escalate their efforts.
@vulnerable_matt Whats the deal with these SMS spam texts with no obvious motive? Turns out its probably number warming. #cybersecurity #infosec ♬ original sound - mattjay | Cybersecurity Guy
Once they’ve warmed the number, they’ll send follow-up texts. These could include phishing links designed to steal your personal information, fake offers that sound too good to be true, or requests for money disguised as urgent pleas for help.
Helpful Tips & How to Guard Yourself
Reporting These Scams Matters
Ignoring these messages is your first line of defense, but reporting them is just as important. By reporting suspicious texts, you’re helping authorities and phone carriers track and shut down scam operations. In California, where scams often target people en masse, reporting could mean saving someone else from falling victim.
You can report suspicious texts directly to your carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). For more serious scams, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or your local attorney general’s office.
Xobee Networks: Your Partner Against Cyber Threats
At Xobee Networks, we know that staying ahead of scammers can feel like a full-time job. That’s why we’re here to help. From cybersecurity services like virus protection and spam filtering to backup redundancies and disaster recovery, we’ve got the tools and expertise to keep your business safe.
Need a more proactive approach to your IT? Our cloud hosting solutions and IT consulting services can ensure your systems are secure, streamlined, and ready to handle anything — scammers included.
Contact Xobee Networks today to learn more about how we can protect your business and give you peace of mind in a world full of tech challenges.
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