What's the deal with all those weird wrong-number texts? (maxread.substack.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'pig-butchering' scams, where scammers send mysterious wrong-number texts to potential victims, aiming to build trust and eventually convince them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms or other schemes. These scams have originated in China and have spread to other countries, including the US. The scammers use elaborate scripts and handbooks to guide their conversations with victims. The article highlights the sophistication and organization of these scam networks, which can lead to significant financial losses for victims.

Main themes

• phone number scams
• spam and fraud
• digital communication
• environmental impact
• government regulation
• international crime

What commenters say

• Some people believe that phone numbers are no longer necessary and that their use should be discontinued due to the prevalence of scams and spam.
• Others argue that phone numbers are still essential for modern life and that alternatives are not yet viable.
• The use of mail and phone services is mandated by the government, making it difficult for individuals to opt out.
• Some commenters think that digital spam is easier to deal with than physical mail spam, while others disagree.
• The environmental impact of paper waste from mail spam is a concern, but some argue that it can be a form of carbon sequestration.
• The legality of scams via mail versus electronic means is discussed, with some noting that both are federal crimes, but enforcement may differ.
• International scams are a significant problem, and evading capture is a major challenge in prosecuting these crimes.