TikTokker Warns Viewers About Text Scam Disguised as ‘Hey, sorry for the weird approach, I just have a question.’
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A TikTok user is warning others after nearly falling victim to a text scam that began with a simple, friendly message: “Hey, sorry for the weird approach, I just have a question.” The viral video has sparked new discussion about how scammers exploit casual conversations online, according to TwistedSifter.
How the Scam Started
The TikTokker, known as Samantha (@sammy__whamm), shared that a stranger entered her DMs with the vague opening line. When she responded, the person quickly followed up with personal questions, asking about her age, location, and occupation.
“Already a weird start,” Samantha said in her video, which has since gained thousands of views.
Here is the video:
@sammy__whamm I’m sure I’m not the first person they’ve attempted this on so don’t fall for it yall #foryoupage #fyp #scammeralert
From “Text Buddy” to Scam
The exchange took a stranger turn when the person offered to pay Samantha just to talk to her, describing the arrangement as becoming a “text buddy.”
Suspicious, Samantha researched the term and discovered it was tied to a well-documented scam. Such schemes often begin with friendly conversation before shifting into requests for money, personal details, or banking information under the guise of financial support.
She immediately blocked the user and cautioned her audience: “Stay safe out there, y’all.”
Community Reaction
The warning resonated with viewers, many of whom commented that they had encountered similar scam attempts. Some users said scammers approached them with nearly identical messages, while others praised Samantha for sharing her story before more people got caught in the trap.
One TikTok commenter wrote: “I’m sure I’m not the first person they’ve attempted this on, so don’t fall for it y’all.”
Why These Scams Work
Cybersecurity experts note that scammers often rely on casual and non-threatening openers to build trust. By avoiding aggressive pitches at first, they can lure victims into giving away sensitive information or agreeing to fraudulent arrangements.
Officials stress that if you receive vague messages from unknown numbers or accounts, the best approach is to ignore, block, and report the sender rather than engaging.
The viral TikTok serves as another reminder that online scams are constantly evolving, often cloaked in the most ordinary conversations. For more digital safety updates and consumer protection stories, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.