This Text Message That Starts With "Hi" Could Rob You Blind In Montana

When I got my first cell phone and started using it extensively as my only means of communications, the amount of telemarketing and spam calls was practically zero.

Lately, however, I can't even begin to count how many spam calls and texts I get in a day, and now it seems there is a new text message scam going around that could end up stealing millions from you here in Montana.

KEEP SCROLLING FOR MORE TEXT SCAMS TO AVOID👇

A man sitting on the floor by house couch looking upset while checking his phone. A graphic shows in red neon "scam alert"
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This Scam Is Known As "Pig Butchering."

According to NBCDFW, this scam starts simple enough: you get a text message that just says "hi." Seems innocent, right? It might even make you respond with, "Who is this?"

Sadly, if you do that, you've already taken the bait, and the scammer is hoping to reel you in with pleasantries and simple conversation.

You might even begin to feel a friendship forming with this anonymous texter, but in reality they are just "fattening" you up before stealing your money in a very specific way.

How Does This Scam Steal Your Money?

These scammers will show off their lavish lifestyle and may even try to initiate a romantic relationship, but ultimately they want you to look to them as a "friend."

Once they are your "friend," they'll convince you to try trading with cryptocurrency, and that's when they've got you.

Once you try to withdraw your money, that's when they'll shut down the whole operation and end up blocking you.

You may be thinking, "I would never fall for these scams," and you might be correct, but Matt Friedman, a CEO who works to fight modern slavery, told CNBC, "Ten scams come by, and they're very clearly a scam, but the 11th one, I may even fall for it."

Learn what other text scams are preying on victims in the gallery below. 👇

Don't get fooled: Here's 24 scam texts I received in just one month

Although some may be humorous, others appear legit. Here are 24 texts I received in just one month's time, as well as one I'm surprised I never got.

Spam texts are listed in the same order that was received.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

KEEP READING: Ranking States with Most Online Scams

Here's a state-by-state look, using data available from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), ranking states by total amount of money lost to fraud.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

LOOK: 8 Domestic Area Codes Scammers Use to Scam Unsuspecting Montanans

According to GoBankingRates, scammers don't JUST use international area codes to swindle people out of their money. They've been using these legitimate American area codes as well.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

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