What’s going on with this weird scam…? I’m confused

Online Scams Forum
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About 6 months ago, I got a call from someone using my full name (I go by a shortened version of my name, so it was odd). The person spoke in my native language and asked for me. She introduced herself as Mariah Burtman (obviously not her real name). I asked who it was, and she said, ‘Well, Mariah! How are you? I miss you,’ but in a friendly, not romantic tone. I was busy, so I pretended the call dropped. The call was from a state over, but the town was close enough that we could have met in college or something. She called again, and I didn’t answer. She left a voicemail. I replied with a text saying I didn’t have service. She said, ‘No problem, call me when you get service.’ I texted again asking who she was, and she replied, ‘Mariah Burtman.’ I told her I didn’t recognize the name and asked where I might know her from, but she didn’t respond. Every text and call, she kept using my full name, which no one calls me anymore. That night, she sent another text saying, ‘[gov name] it was good talking to you today. Hopefully, we can catch up soon. Let me know if you have a position open in your company. Love you, cousin!’ It was so weird. I didn’t respond.

A few months passed, and she texted again asking me to vote for her in some union gig. Again, calling me by my full name and saying ‘cousin.’ I ignored it. Then she texted again saying she missed me and my family, adding ‘love you’ at the end. I didn’t respond. Last month, she texted me wishing me and my family a Merry Christmas. Again saying she missed us. I ignored it. Then she texted for New Year’s the same thing, and I ignored it again. Then she texted asking if I had a job opening where I work. I replied, ‘You have me confused with someone else.’ She responded saying, ‘No, it’s Mariah Burtman!’ I was fed up, so I responded, ‘Oh yes, we do have a position open. Stop by at 2 today.’ She replied, ‘Awesome! I’ll stop by today and ask for you. Thanks, cousin!’ I expected her to ask where my office was, but she didn’t. She never responded after that. I work virtually and don’t have an office. No message came through after 2pm either.

Now I’m really confused. Why would she keep calling, texting, and calling me ‘cousin’ while saying she loves me and my family? What’s her end goal? I could block her, but I’m curious. I thought maybe I know her from somewhere, but why keep using my full name, which I don’t go by? It’s in my native language.

Anyone have any ideas? What’s the scam here? It’s been 6 months of this (off and on), and I’m still puzzled.

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3

Wrong number scams can drag on for a long time, like a romance scam.

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Jason said:
Wrong number scams can drag on for a long time, like a romance scam.

Hi /u/ditzen, AutoModerator is here to explain the wrong number scam.

A wrong number text is the start of many different types of scams. They are so common and lead to unwanted situations (like confirming you have an active number, which leads to more spam/scams). It’s best to avoid responding, even out of courtesy. They will try to turn your politeness into a conversation (often claiming it’s fate that you met this way), and then try to scam you.

If you got a wrong number text from someone looking for a specific person or something like a doctor’s appointment, and no photos are included, you’re probably seeing the start of a crypto scam. You can learn more about crypto scams with the keyword !crypto. You can also see a video of this scam here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ_flb9tGuc.

Sometimes wrong number texts are part of a data-gathering scam, where scammers collect bits of info (like your name) to use against you later. Thanks to redditor teratical for this script.

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I’m glad you posted here, I’m happy to find you! Don’t act like you don’t know me, it’s me, Mariah Burtman! :joy:

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She’s probably trying to build trust with you. Then, she’ll tell you about some amazing cryptocurrency investment that will take your money. The more you reply, the longer you stay a target. It’s probably you and at least 100 other people on her list. Just block her and move on. In the future, don’t reply to texts or calls from numbers you don’t recognize.

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I don’t really know what’s going on, but I enjoyed reading your story. Would love to know what happens next!

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Doesn’t seem like a typical scam since she hasn’t asked for money after 6 months. I think it’s just harassment, trolling, or someone being weird. Someone might have found your name in a leak (if that’s how they got it) and decided to mess with you. Some people just do that.

9

Does it really matter what type of scam it is? All these scams follow the same pattern, trying to steal your money.

10

The call wasn’t from the state over; they can fake phone numbers. You don’t know where this person is really calling from.

Just block and ignore. More contact will lead to them asking for money or threatening you. It’s not worth keeping them engaged out of curiosity. You’re only helping them improve their scam script for their next victim.

11

Maybe she knows someone with your government name, looked you up, and mixed you up with that person.

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LilyClark4 said:
Maybe she knows someone with your government name, looked you up, and mixed you up with that person.

I think that’s probably it. Not every weird interaction is a scam. Sometimes it’s just odd. Either way, just block her and move on.

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Eventually, she or someone in her family might get ‘kidnapped,’ and a ransom will be demanded. Then, she might introduce you to her ‘brother’ (a romance scammer). Now, you’re emotionally invested in this catfish relationship and feel obligated to help or trust them. You might want to do one of those free trial background checks – it will be scary to see what pops up about you! You can thank Google and Meta for that.

14

I don’t have any advice, but that was a very interesting read.

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This person probably got your info from a data leak or the dark web. It’s likely multiple scammers who now have your information. The more you respond, the more scammers will start reaching out.

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You’re like the cat in that saying – curiosity will get you in trouble. Block her. If you still need answers, tell her honestly that you don’t remember her but you’re curious, and arrange to meet in a safe place. It’s possible she’s a long-lost cousin. Don’t share anything else until you decide if you want a relationship. Good luck!

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Why didn’t you ask her who her parents are? Try to get details that only real cousins would know. It could be a scam, but it could be real too. Maybe you called her bluff, or maybe she’ll contact you later about an accident on the way to your office.