Thanks to stored contact information in our smartphones, calling or texting someone these days rarely requires dialing a number. But even though it’s never been easier to get in touch with the right person, receiving a call or text out of the blue from a stranger who’s trying to reach someone else still isn’t a thing of the past. And while they may seem mildly annoying at best, officials warn that you should never reply to a wrong number text as a matter of your own safety. Read on to see why it’s best to leave these random messages unanswered.
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As convenient as the smartphone technology in our pockets has made our daily lives, it’s brought with it a new set of nuisances. For many, constant spam phone calls and unsolicited text messages have become such a daily norm that it can become difficult to know when someone is actually trying to reach you. In many cases, people simply choose to avoid any communication from a contact they don’t recognize or have stored on their device. But things can get confusing when you do recognize a number sending you a message—especially if it’s your own.
In March, Verizon Wireless customers reported receiving a text from their phone number that stated, “Free Msg: Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here’s a little gift for you,” which was accompanied by a link. Verizon explained that the…