Annoying random text messages from Canada

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I keep getting these random texts from Canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a Texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?

[Phil2TheTop]

no.

[Bill14564]

I keep getting these random texts from Canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a Texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?

I've receive something like that every once in a while but nothing with the frequency that you are describing.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I've receive something like that every once in a while but nothing with the frequency that you are describing.

https://baystatebanner.com/2025/04/09/wrong-number-text-scam-the-confusing-new-scam-to-watch-out-for/#

[Bill14564]

Wrong-number text scam: The confusing new scam to watch out for – The Bay State Banner (https://baystatebanner.com/2025/04/09/wrong-number-text-scam-the-confusing-new-scam-to-watch-out-for/#)

I don't fall for it. Unexpected texts, calls, or emails just get deleted - absolutely no response at all. Anyone who legimitately calls or texts the wrong number will eventually figure it out and I don't trust a scammer to actually implement an "Unsubscribe" function.

[retiredguy123]

My phone is always set on "do not disturb". So, I don't receive any audible calls, voicemails, or texts unless the number is on my contacts list. They can leave a voicemail or a text, which I can view it at my convenience. I have found this to be the only sure way to eliminate all unwanted calls and texts.

[manaboutown]

In the last two days I have received texts from two alleged recruiters. One claimed it reviewed my resume and wanted me to work on updating apps. At the bottom it stated I needed to be at least 26 years old. lol. I am 83. The other offered me a job at Target.

[Taltarzac725]

At least the Nigerian Princes seem to be leaving us alone. Got one of those letters around 1992 and received variations of pleas from Nigerians through just recently. I do seem to have an authentic Nigerian on my Facebook page as he sends pictures of his village and he has never asked for money.

[Stu from NYC]

At least the Nigerian Princes seem to be leaving us alone. Got one of those letters around 1992 and received variations of pleas from Nigerians through just recently. I do seem to have an authentic Nigerian on my Facebook page as he sends pictures of his village and he has never asked for money.

He is probably buttering you up for a bit to establish a relationship and than will tell you he desperately needs help.

[REDCART]

Last weekend I was inundated with text messages and then phone calls stating my ride is outside waiting in NYC. Never experienced anything quite like it before. They’re getting very creative.

[Velvet]

I keep getting these random texts from Canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a Texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?

Yes, I get them from 808 Hawaii, regularly. Since I used to spend my winters in Hawaii for many years my own phone starts with 808. But how do you block an area code? I get spams regularly from certain area codes when I know I don’t know anyone or any business there.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Yes, I get them from 808 Hawaii, regularly. Since I used to spend my winters in Hawaii for many years my own phone starts with 808. But how do you block an area code? I get spams regularly from certain area codes when I know I don’t know anyone or any business there.

I created a contact in my iPhone called "Blocked Area Code Canada"
Entered the telephone number 1 (437)
and Saved
Then Blocked that contact

I will probably leave it on for a few months, then take it off. .

[Caymus]

Wrong-number text scam: The confusing new scam to watch out for – The Bay State Banner (https://baystatebanner.com/2025/04/09/wrong-number-text-scam-the-confusing-new-scam-to-watch-out-for/#)

A version of "pig butchering"?

[Velvet]

I created a contact in my iPhone called "Blocked Area Code Canada"
Entered the telephone number 1 (437)
and Saved
Then Blocked that contact

I will probably leave it on for a few months, then take it off. .

Thank you. I think you just saved me hours and hours of spam calls and texts.

[USOTR]

Yes. I received a couple of those txt as well.

I also receive over 10 calls per day wanting me to barrow morning.

I ended up blocking via sending to voice mail everything incoming that is not in my contact list.

[RoadToad]

I don't fall for it. Unexpected texts, calls, or emails just get deleted - absolutely no response at all. Anyone who legimitately calls or texts the wrong number will eventually figure it out and I don't trust a scammer to actually implement an "Unsubscribe" function.

Very true.
The unsubscribe button is a link to their site and BAM, they got ya.
Either Delete or use Report/Block contextual option (if available).
Never click any link, unsubscribe included.

[Worldseries27]

i keep getting these random texts from canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? Hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

Anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?
yes, they asked if they'd been annexed.

[Worldseries27]

A link to join up will soon appear

[Arctic Fox]

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code.

If I don't know anyone in that area code then I have no hesitation in blocking it.

[MollyJo]

My phone is always set on "do not disturb". So, I don't receive any audible calls, voicemails, or texts unless the number is on my contacts list. They can leave a voicemail or a text, which I can view it at my convenience. I have found this to be the only sure way to eliminate all unwanted calls and texts.
I do the same. So peaceful.

[oneclickplus]

I keep getting these random texts from Canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a Texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?

The goal is to get a response of any kind so they know that your number can receive texts. Delete them without a reply.

For those who post to online sales forums such as craigslist, this is very similar to the replies you may get that appear innocent in nature - "is the item still available?" "I really want to buy it, when can I pick it up".

The goal here is to get a reply of any kind. Why? Because even though a blind re-mailer is being used as is the case with craigslist, many people have their email setup to include a signature. So, you think you are replying with "yes, I still have it" and, unless you are careful, your automated signature such as this is at the bottom of your message.

David Smith
Vice President, Engineering
American Widget company
101 Main St
Wichita, KS
444-555-6666
dsmith@wichitawidgets.com

And the spammers suddenly have your full name, where you work, what you do, plus an address, phone number and email. Excellent data for a future phishing attempt.

Best to use a junk email address with no signature for these types of things. Also, if I'm selling something, I insist in my ad that all responders provide a working telephone number if they want a reply. The scammers won't give you a phone number.

[Whatnext]

Never unsubscribe, or block any scam calls. Once you do this they know the number is live, and the scammers have more throw away numbers than they can use, and they will pester you for ever, plus sell your number on to others.
Just delete.

[Bill14564]

]My phone is always set on "do not disturb". So, I don't receive any audible calls, voicemails, or texts unless the number is on my contacts list. [/B] They can leave a voicemail or a text, which I can view it at my convenience. I have found this to be the only sure way to eliminate all unwanted calls and texts.

On an iPhone, even calls on your contact list will be blocked when Do Not Disturb is turned on. You can make a separate list of numbers that are allowed to get through but that takes an extra step and everything else is blocked.

The iPhone has a Settings->Phone->Silence Unknown Calls that does what I think you are trying to do. This mode allows any number in your contact list to get through but silences any number that is not. They can still leave a message but your phone won't ring. I believe this mode will also allow a number you recently called - for instance you called a business and left a message for them to call you back.

This is not the same as Do Not Disturb on an iPhone. I don't know what the feature might be called on an Android phone.

[GoneFishing]

Apparently I just need to give them one piece of information to finish my $40,000 loan from California. 🤣

[CarlR33]

You all do know that a number might seem to be from Canada but in reality a person can create any fake phone number to call out from their phone on (which is a different phone number). They have apps for doing this.

[retiredguy123]

On an iPhone, even calls on your contact list will be blocked when Do Not Disturb is turned on. You can make a separate list of numbers that are allowed to get through but that takes an extra step and everything else is blocked.

The iPhone has a Settings->Phone->Silence Unknown Calls that does what I think you are trying to do. This mode allows any number in your contact list to get through but silences any number that is not. They can still leave a message but your phone won't ring. I believe this mode will also allow a number you recently called - for instance you called a business and left a message for them to call you back.

This is not the same as Do Not Disturb on an iPhone. I don't know what the feature might be called on an Android phone.
I have a Samsung Android phone. You turn on "do not disturb" and select except for numbers on my contacts list. You can do this for calls and/or messages. You can also select an option that will allow a call to go through if the caller calls twice within 15 minutes. Also, you can set up a second contacts list for "favorite" callers, which can also be turned on or off. Whenever I call a new number and I want them to return the call, I just add that number to my contacts list.

[rothbear]

How do you block an entire area code on an Android phone with Verizon? I kept my phone number from the last state I lived in and I get constant spam calls with that area code. Verizon (now I have Visible with Verizon) doesn' allow blocking of entire area codes, so I have to block each number, or "neighborhood" as they call it, but only allows 5 of those. It's so annoying. I probably have about 500 individual numbers blocked.

[ImaTravelBug]

Yes, I am also getting those messages. I block each one. I have no idea what they are trying to achieve by sending them. I have never responded.

[justjim]

The Internet is a blessing (connecting with relatives and friends) and at the same time a curse (potential scams that can rob an unexpected person of life savings, etc). Too much time on a computer or smartphone can rob you of real relationships that are around you daily. Get up out of that chair and get out into the real world as much as you are able.

[retiredguy123]

How do you block an entire area code on an Android phone with Verizon? I kept my phone number from the last state I lived in and I get constant spam calls with that area code. Verizon (now I have Visible with Verizon) doesn' allow blocking of entire area codes, so I have to block each number, or "neighborhood" as they call it, but only allows 5 of those. It's so annoying. I probably have about 500 individual numbers blocked.
In my opinion, it is not a good idea to block an entire area code because you may miss important calls. The "do not disturb" setting with the "exception for numbers on your contacts list" is a better way to go. You are not blocking any callers. The calls still go through, and the caller can leave a voicemail or a text message. However, your phone will never ring unless the number is on your contacts list.

[retiredguy123]

Note that the term "area code" for cell phones is a misnomer. It has nothing to do with the location of the call, or even where the phone was purchased. People can have a cell phone with any area code in the country, even if they have never been to the area. So, blocking calls from an entire area code can be a mistake.

[retiredguy123]

FYI, I recently checked the storage capacity of my cell phone contacts list. I have about 600 numbers stored on my contacts list in my Android's internal storage. The phone's program will accept an unlimited number of contacts as long as I have sufficient amount of data storage. Older phones had a limit on the number of contacts that you could add to the program. If you use Google for your contacts storage, there is a limit of 25,000 contacts.

I do back up the contacts to a tablet and to the cloud on a monthly basis. I highly recommend having a backup system for your phone contacts. If you don't, you will be very sorry if you lose your phone or if it becomes defective.

[Driller703]

[QUOTE=CoachKandSportsguy;2452035]I keep getting these random texts from Canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a Texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?[/QUOTE

Click on the text message to open it. At the very top of the page there will be a round icon in the center. Click on it and click on “info”. Click on “Block this caller”.
If you get another text from them it will be from a different number. Sometimes they have several. Just keep blocking them.
Works for me.

[retiredguy123]

[QUOTE=CoachKandSportsguy;2452035]I keep getting these random texts from Canada, which ask about my day, and want to catch up? hang out?

I hate to block an entire area code, but i just blocked the 437 area code. . .

Am thinking about blocking a Texas area code next as that is where alot of the scam phone calls to my number originates. . .

anyone get these annoying anonymous we are friends text messages?[/QUOTE

Click on the text message to open it. At the very top of the page there will be a round icon in the center. Click on it and click on “info”. Click on “Block this caller”.
If you get another text from them it will be from a different number. Sometimes they have several. Just keep blocking them.
Works for me.
LOL. A good scammer will not have several numbers, they will have millions of them.

[Driller703]

My phone is always set on "do not disturb". So, I don't receive any audible calls, voicemails, or texts unless the number is on my contacts list. They can leave a voicemail or a text, which I can view it at my convenience. I have found this to be the only sure way to eliminate all unwanted calls and texts.

Hmmmm. How would this work for you for the following message, opened at your convenience:

Hello, I am the neighbor of your sister Rose. Please call me back at this number immediately! It is Saturday August 9th at 11.30pm.
Eunice Clatterbuck

[retiredguy123]

Hmmmm. How would this work for you for the following message, opened at your convenience:

Hello, I am the neighbor of your sister Rose. Please call me back at this number immediately! It is Saturday August 9th at 11.30pm.
Eunice Clatterbuck
It wouldn't if you want to be available 24/7. But I was getting about 15 to 20 calls per day from scammers despite trying several call blocking apps.

[Bill14564]

Hmmmm. How would this work for you for the following message, opened at your convenience:

Hello, I am the neighbor of your sister Rose. Please call me back at this number immediately! It is Saturday August 9th at 11.30pm.
Eunice Clatterbuck

Eunice doesn't have my number or she would be in my contact list.
My sister would call from her phone or would have Eunice call from her (my sister's) phone which *is* in my contact list.

If it was a real emergency then either Eunice or someone I actually know would call again with specific information.

[Aces4]

Eunice doesn't have my number or she would be in my contact list.
My sister would call from her phone or would have Eunice call from her (my sister's) phone which *is* in my contact list.

If it was a real emergency then either Eunice or someone I actually know would call again with specific information.

Unless Eunice was unconscious.

[Bill14564]

Unless Eunice was unconscious.

If Eunice was unconscious then how would she be calling me about my sister Rose?

If my sister Rose was unconscious then Eunice would only have my number if she knows me and is in my contacts or if she was using my sister's phone which would also be in my contacts.

[ElDiabloJoe]

If you're receiving these texts on an iPhone, simply go to the main text message app's list of texts (inbox). Press and hold on the offending text. When the option for Delete comes up, there is an option for "Delete and Report Junk." Press this. Voila, junk volume begins to decrease immediately. Hope this helps.

Oh, if you are NOT on an iPhone, the solution is almost as simple. Go to your nearest Apple Store or cellular service vendor (AT&T, T-Mobile, Etc.) and cash in your phone for an iPhone. Then follow the remainder of instructions above. Easy-Peasy.

[Velvet]

During election time, it was the worst. I got so many texts asking for funds.