Need Safety Advice
June 29, 2011 9:34 AM Subscribe
A stranger is texting and calling me under the pretense of having furniture to deliver. They know I'm a girl and they have my home address.
Five days ago I purchased used chairs from a couple and had them deliver to my address. The wife asked me send a text message with my address to her husband, Alex. I sent the message: "Thanks, Alex. My address is _________. Let me know if you need anything else."
She called saying he did not receive the text so I gave my address over the phone, they delivered the chairs and left.
I then received a phone call from a man asking for Alex. I said they had called the wrong number. A half hour later I received another call asking for Alex. I gave the same response.
I then received the following text: "Alex we can't find [my street name], we are on [nearby intersection]."
I then looked at my phone and realized that I had texted my address to a phone number other than the one the woman had given me -- a similar number but typed incorrectly.
I locked all of my windows and my door, and went to bed.
This morning (five days after prior incidents) I received two text messages:
"Alex are you interested in the bookshelf"
"if you still, text me the saturday we had problem witj my phone battery, we was out gps. And all you info. Sorry tejeda."
I have sent no return phone calls or text messages, and I am spooked. I have considered asking a man coworker to use my phone to call back the number and say there is no Alex and no furniture request, but I have also considered continuing to not reply.
I don't know if I should not be at my apartment this Saturday, or have a guy friend with me.
I have a hole in my door so I can see who is knocking on my door before I open it, but someone could still see me leaving and entering my apartment if they were watching.
Even if I were to relocate or install a security system, I don't think I could do this overnight. For now, is keeping my door/ windows locked and not opening for a stranger the most I can do?
Thank you.
Five days ago I purchased used chairs from a couple and had them deliver to my address. The wife asked me send a text message with my address to her husband, Alex. I sent the message: "Thanks, Alex. My address is _________. Let me know if you need anything else."
She called saying he did not receive the text so I gave my address over the phone, they delivered the chairs and left.
I then received a phone call from a man asking for Alex. I said they had called the wrong number. A half hour later I received another call asking for Alex. I gave the same response.
I then received the following text: "Alex we can't find [my street name], we are on [nearby intersection]."
I then looked at my phone and realized that I had texted my address to a phone number other than the one the woman had given me -- a similar number but typed incorrectly.
I locked all of my windows and my door, and went to bed.
This morning (five days after prior incidents) I received two text messages:
"Alex are you interested in the bookshelf"
"if you still, text me the saturday we had problem witj my phone battery, we was out gps. And all you info. Sorry tejeda."
I have sent no return phone calls or text messages, and I am spooked. I have considered asking a man coworker to use my phone to call back the number and say there is no Alex and no furniture request, but I have also considered continuing to not reply.
I don't know if I should not be at my apartment this Saturday, or have a guy friend with me.
I have a hole in my door so I can see who is knocking on my door before I open it, but someone could still see me leaving and entering my apartment if they were watching.
Even if I were to relocate or install a security system, I don't think I could do this overnight. For now, is keeping my door/ windows locked and not opening for a stranger the most I can do?
Thank you.
So you haven't said anything back? At all? I'm having trouble seeing why you're afraid, maybe I'm really missing something because it sounds like you just happened to text a random person who is selling furniture (there's a lot of us out there). Please clarify.
posted by boobjob at 9:41 AM on June 29, 2011 [13 favorites]
posted by boobjob at 9:41 AM on June 29, 2011 [13 favorites]
This may well be a perfectly innocent mistake. If you're nervous, have a male friend call the number and sort it out.
posted by elendil71 at 9:41 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by elendil71 at 9:41 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
Just text back once saying that they've got the wrong number. This has happened more than once to me (multiple texts to a wrong number), but they've always stopped when I let them know they had the wrong number.
I don't think this is a elaborate ruse to break into your house or anything; more likely just an honest mistake by a not-so-tech-savvy cellphone user.
posted by chrisfromthelc at 9:42 AM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
I don't think this is a elaborate ruse to break into your house or anything; more likely just an honest mistake by a not-so-tech-savvy cellphone user.
posted by chrisfromthelc at 9:42 AM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
Being scared or calling the police would be totally overreacting. This seems like a simple mixup.
Just text back the next time you get a wrong number and say "sorry, you have the wrong number". That's all. The end.
posted by tel3path at 9:46 AM on June 29, 2011
Just text back the next time you get a wrong number and say "sorry, you have the wrong number". That's all. The end.
posted by tel3path at 9:46 AM on June 29, 2011
If they were planning on breaking into your house, would they really have tipped you off by texting you first? I agree with the folks saying this is probably an innocent mistake, one that could be fixed by texting back (or having someone call if you're nervous) to say they've got the wrong number.
posted by DingoMutt at 9:46 AM on June 29, 2011
posted by DingoMutt at 9:46 AM on June 29, 2011
This sounds like an honest misunderstanding to me; I would just text back saying they have the wrong phone number.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 9:48 AM on June 29, 2011
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 9:48 AM on June 29, 2011
I'm confused. If the text you sent said only: "Thanks, Alex. My address is _________. Let me know if you need anything else." then how did the unintended recipient know anything about furniture?
posted by Specklet at 9:49 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Specklet at 9:49 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: My understanding is that I cannot call the police unless someone has done something wrong.
The reason I am alarmed are as follows:
I told the person over the phone that there is no Alex at the number. They called back again asking for Alex and I told them again. Then they started texting me.
It doesn't seems any more likely that this person has furniture to deliver than it would be if I were to call a random number on the phone. To me is seems the person knew I was giving my address to someone for the sake of having something delivered and decided to pretend they had something to deliver.
If it were a mixup, it would seem likely it would have been cleared up in the past five days -- but this person is going off of one text message sent five days ago. It doesn't seem likely to me they still believe there was a mix up.
posted by alice_curiouse at 9:52 AM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
The reason I am alarmed are as follows:
I told the person over the phone that there is no Alex at the number. They called back again asking for Alex and I told them again. Then they started texting me.
It doesn't seems any more likely that this person has furniture to deliver than it would be if I were to call a random number on the phone. To me is seems the person knew I was giving my address to someone for the sake of having something delivered and decided to pretend they had something to deliver.
If it were a mixup, it would seem likely it would have been cleared up in the past five days -- but this person is going off of one text message sent five days ago. It doesn't seem likely to me they still believe there was a mix up.
posted by alice_curiouse at 9:52 AM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: I think when the person called me saying they were looking for my place I might have said someone was delivering something but they are gone -- because I couldn't figure out why someone was calling me asking for Alex.
posted by alice_curiouse at 9:53 AM on June 29, 2011
posted by alice_curiouse at 9:53 AM on June 29, 2011
Response by poster: They know I'm a girl because I answered the phone when they called the first two times -- before they started texting.
posted by alice_curiouse at 9:54 AM on June 29, 2011
posted by alice_curiouse at 9:54 AM on June 29, 2011
Your clarification helps -- this is pretty weird, but I'd just continue not replying. I don't think there's much else you can do.
posted by sweetkid at 9:58 AM on June 29, 2011
posted by sweetkid at 9:58 AM on June 29, 2011
I think you're okay.
On my phone, you can't reply to a text with a phone call. You have to write down the number and then dial separately.
When they called you and you said "there's no alex here," they may have assumed that they mis-wrote the number to call you at. Then when they called you again, they may have assumed the same thing, got fed up with themselves and thought "let me just reply to the text with my own text because i KNOW that's right." Then when you didn't respond to the texts, they had no way of knowing they had the wrong number, and are now wondering, "why isn't the person who wanted the furniture texting me back? I know I had the right number THAT time!"
Just text them back and say that you misdialed about something else.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:01 AM on June 29, 2011 [2 favorites]
On my phone, you can't reply to a text with a phone call. You have to write down the number and then dial separately.
When they called you and you said "there's no alex here," they may have assumed that they mis-wrote the number to call you at. Then when they called you again, they may have assumed the same thing, got fed up with themselves and thought "let me just reply to the text with my own text because i KNOW that's right." Then when you didn't respond to the texts, they had no way of knowing they had the wrong number, and are now wondering, "why isn't the person who wanted the furniture texting me back? I know I had the right number THAT time!"
Just text them back and say that you misdialed about something else.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:01 AM on June 29, 2011 [2 favorites]
I can't tell you how many times I've had people call me multiple times in a row, even after I've told them they have the wrong number.
posted by theichibun at 10:02 AM on June 29, 2011 [9 favorites]
posted by theichibun at 10:02 AM on June 29, 2011 [9 favorites]
You accidentally sent these people a message. When you say "wrong number" they think perhaps they've typed it in wrong or whatever and try it again. The point being that this seems like persistent confusion rather than malice. I don't think you need to be frightened.
I'm not suggesting you should let them into your house or anything, but I don't think you need to be scared. One more text should do not, something along the lines of "I am not now and never have been interested in anything from you. Please stop calling and texting me. Thank you." should really address it. If they text you again, I would try that. If THAT doesn't work, then maybe call the cops at the non-emergency number and ask for advice, they may be able to help in some way.
Continuing to not reply is a safe bet as well, although sometimes people just kind of keep obliviously sending texts to the wrong number. I had an older couple start randomly texting me one day and had to eventually ask them to stop, ignoring it didn't work. Which is maybe why I lean towards trying one more totally clear, non-equivocal text.
posted by kavasa at 10:02 AM on June 29, 2011
I'm not suggesting you should let them into your house or anything, but I don't think you need to be scared. One more text should do not, something along the lines of "I am not now and never have been interested in anything from you. Please stop calling and texting me. Thank you." should really address it. If they text you again, I would try that. If THAT doesn't work, then maybe call the cops at the non-emergency number and ask for advice, they may be able to help in some way.
Continuing to not reply is a safe bet as well, although sometimes people just kind of keep obliviously sending texts to the wrong number. I had an older couple start randomly texting me one day and had to eventually ask them to stop, ignoring it didn't work. Which is maybe why I lean towards trying one more totally clear, non-equivocal text.
posted by kavasa at 10:02 AM on June 29, 2011
People are not as smart or cell phone savvy as you give them credit for.
With an old number I had (I changed when I moved states), I had an older (but not seemingly senile) person that would call me at least twice a month looking for someone else. After a couple of times, it became apparent that this person had mistyped the number when saving it in the old guy's contact list on his cell phone, but it never occurred to him to look at that. I never received another call from him after that.
It's entirely plausible (and even probable) that this is what's happening. It's also possible that they have multiple entries for the same name, but can't figure out how to merge or delete them (my Android phone does this often, and I can see how someone less techy could easily get confused).
posted by chrisfromthelc at 10:03 AM on June 29, 2011
With an old number I had (I changed when I moved states), I had an older (but not seemingly senile) person that would call me at least twice a month looking for someone else. After a couple of times, it became apparent that this person had mistyped the number when saving it in the old guy's contact list on his cell phone, but it never occurred to him to look at that. I never received another call from him after that.
It's entirely plausible (and even probable) that this is what's happening. It's also possible that they have multiple entries for the same name, but can't figure out how to merge or delete them (my Android phone does this often, and I can see how someone less techy could easily get confused).
posted by chrisfromthelc at 10:03 AM on June 29, 2011
I agree with the others that this seems like some weird mixup; also from the text of the text message you copied, it seems like maybe English is not this person's first language, so that just increases the likelihood of it being a communications-related mixup, in my mind.
For your own peace of mind, maybe have a couple friends hang out with you at your place on Saturday? It seems like if you go out for that day, you'd just be worried about what might be going on at home. So make a fun day of it with some friends... maybe a 'Home Alone' movie marathon? :)
posted by tivalasvegas at 10:05 AM on June 29, 2011
For your own peace of mind, maybe have a couple friends hang out with you at your place on Saturday? It seems like if you go out for that day, you'd just be worried about what might be going on at home. So make a fun day of it with some friends... maybe a 'Home Alone' movie marathon? :)
posted by tivalasvegas at 10:05 AM on June 29, 2011
I can't tell you how many times I've had people call me multiple times in a row, even after I've told them they have the wrong number.
Yeah, this too. And texting makes it worse, because people will just hit "reply" to a text without thinking or program someone's name in their cell phone wrong. I had one guy randomly sending me texts saying benign things like "hello from me and Diego", and each time I would text back saying that he had the wrong number; he'd text back "sorry" and that would be that, but then a couple months later he and diego would text me again. I finally CALLED him to tell him he had the wrong number, and THAT'S when he finally checked his phone and saw, "oh, wait, I had it in my phone wrong, sorry."
Some people are just kind of dim.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:06 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yeah, this too. And texting makes it worse, because people will just hit "reply" to a text without thinking or program someone's name in their cell phone wrong. I had one guy randomly sending me texts saying benign things like "hello from me and Diego", and each time I would text back saying that he had the wrong number; he'd text back "sorry" and that would be that, but then a couple months later he and diego would text me again. I finally CALLED him to tell him he had the wrong number, and THAT'S when he finally checked his phone and saw, "oh, wait, I had it in my phone wrong, sorry."
Some people are just kind of dim.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:06 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
I told the person over the phone that there is no Alex at the number. They called back again asking for Alex and I told them again. Then they started texting me.
Did you tell them you sent the original text on accident and that there is no Alex? They probably think there is a real Alex at that address who wants the bookshelf, and that you answering the phone was some sort of mixup.
posted by burnmp3s at 10:12 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Did you tell them you sent the original text on accident and that there is no Alex? They probably think there is a real Alex at that address who wants the bookshelf, and that you answering the phone was some sort of mixup.
posted by burnmp3s at 10:12 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Weird.
The first text makes me think that they were expecting to deliver something to someone whose name they didn’t know. They’re probably Spanish speakers, so they thought they were being texted by Alex instead of being thanked as if they were Alex. So they figured their contact was named Alex and they needed to drop off something to Alex.
What’s weird is that they keep insisting after you’ve said there is no Alex. Which makes me think it’s something illegal, so I can understand why you’d be freaked out.
Or they just could be guys messing around.
At any rate, if you’re uncomfortable, you should definitely have a friend with you on Saturday. I wouldn’t call them or initiate any contact back. It seems like that could fuel the misunderstanding, whereas letting it go will just make it die.
It doesn’t seem like they can find your house, though. They said they lost your info. Although who knows what that really means?
posted by amodelcitizen at 10:22 AM on June 29, 2011
The first text makes me think that they were expecting to deliver something to someone whose name they didn’t know. They’re probably Spanish speakers, so they thought they were being texted by Alex instead of being thanked as if they were Alex. So they figured their contact was named Alex and they needed to drop off something to Alex.
What’s weird is that they keep insisting after you’ve said there is no Alex. Which makes me think it’s something illegal, so I can understand why you’d be freaked out.
Or they just could be guys messing around.
At any rate, if you’re uncomfortable, you should definitely have a friend with you on Saturday. I wouldn’t call them or initiate any contact back. It seems like that could fuel the misunderstanding, whereas letting it go will just make it die.
It doesn’t seem like they can find your house, though. They said they lost your info. Although who knows what that really means?
posted by amodelcitizen at 10:22 AM on June 29, 2011
My understanding is that I cannot call the police unless someone has done something wrong.
You can always call the non-emergency number and ask for advice.
That said, I don't think you need the police. I don't think this person is trying to scam/rob you. I think it's, as others have suggested, just a matter of a confused person who thinks Alex is trying to reach him. It's a weird coincidence that this person seems to have a piece of furniture to deliver, but that's not an impossible coincidence.
I understand that you're freaked out because they have your address, and if they were malicious they could find you--not just a random victim, but you. Take a deep breath. They know your address. They don't know that you live at 123 Main St. and have loads of fancy new electronics. They don't know that you live at 123 Main St. by yourself and the neighbors are out of town. They don't know anything about you besides your address. Of targets for scamming/robbery/violent crime, you are not that appealing.
posted by Meg_Murry at 10:28 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
You can always call the non-emergency number and ask for advice.
That said, I don't think you need the police. I don't think this person is trying to scam/rob you. I think it's, as others have suggested, just a matter of a confused person who thinks Alex is trying to reach him. It's a weird coincidence that this person seems to have a piece of furniture to deliver, but that's not an impossible coincidence.
I understand that you're freaked out because they have your address, and if they were malicious they could find you--not just a random victim, but you. Take a deep breath. They know your address. They don't know that you live at 123 Main St. and have loads of fancy new electronics. They don't know that you live at 123 Main St. by yourself and the neighbors are out of town. They don't know anything about you besides your address. Of targets for scamming/robbery/violent crime, you are not that appealing.
posted by Meg_Murry at 10:28 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
Do you know someone who speaks Spanish? Have them call the number and clear this right up. I suspect it's a language confusion issue and I bet you'll be done with this in 30 seconds.
posted by desjardins at 10:29 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by desjardins at 10:29 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
>why Spanish?
"if you still, text me the saturday we had problem witj my phone battery, we was out gps. And all you info. Sorry tejeda."
And n-thing the OP not worry about it, just someone mixed up from your initial text.
posted by 6550 at 10:46 AM on June 29, 2011
"if you still, text me the saturday we had problem witj my phone battery, we was out gps. And all you info. Sorry tejeda."
And n-thing the OP not worry about it, just someone mixed up from your initial text.
posted by 6550 at 10:46 AM on June 29, 2011
I don't text but I've received my share of misdirected text messages... one from someone looking for someone to "chop" to him which he sent several times late at night before I looked up the slang and texted him back "Dude, I am not your dealer".
I once got a misdirected text that said "Hi daddy its [name]... can you call justins mom and tell her to call me right away its a emergency". I wrote back:
Me: "Wrong number. Do not message me, thanks"
Reply: "K sorry thanks"
Reply (a few hours later): "Hey who is this its [name]"
Me: No one you know. Do not message me anymore. I do not have a text message plan.
Reply (the next morning): "I don't know who this is but this is my phone not [names] so please stop texting me thank you".
Even though I'd clearly identified that I was a wrong number and specifically asked them not to respond, two separate people using the same phone felt compelled to keep engaging me. Maybe there is something about the texting UI that doesn't make it clear who you are talking to?
posted by Gortuk at 10:46 AM on June 29, 2011
I once got a misdirected text that said "Hi daddy its [name]... can you call justins mom and tell her to call me right away its a emergency". I wrote back:
Me: "Wrong number. Do not message me, thanks"
Reply: "K sorry thanks"
Reply (a few hours later): "Hey who is this its [name]"
Me: No one you know. Do not message me anymore. I do not have a text message plan.
Reply (the next morning): "I don't know who this is but this is my phone not [names] so please stop texting me thank you".
Even though I'd clearly identified that I was a wrong number and specifically asked them not to respond, two separate people using the same phone felt compelled to keep engaging me. Maybe there is something about the texting UI that doesn't make it clear who you are talking to?
posted by Gortuk at 10:46 AM on June 29, 2011
I'm just chiming in to say this seems like a normal mix up to me, too. Text back, say you don't want any bookshelves and you're not Alex- there must be a mix-up. After that, don't worry about it.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:51 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by small_ruminant at 10:51 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm with you, I think I would be freaked out a little too. These people seem to me like they're pranking you or something. Maybe they're teenagers on summer break? Or bored? Regardless, they have your address, which would skeeve me out as well. I would get a male co-worker to call them the next time they text you, and I might get someone to stay with me too. Hopefully they'll stop soon and find something else to amuse themselves with.
It's important that you go with your gut instinct, if you sense that something is off, and something feels creepy or wrong, then it probably is.
posted by katypickle at 10:56 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
It's important that you go with your gut instinct, if you sense that something is off, and something feels creepy or wrong, then it probably is.
posted by katypickle at 10:56 AM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
Text back, say you don't want any bookshelves and you're not Alex- there must be a mix-up.
Also add that if they text back again you will get the police involved because you don't want to be harassed. And then have a friend stay with you on Saturday. Later you guys can look back and laugh about how you were freaked out by something so silly, but better safe than sorry, right?
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 11:03 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also add that if they text back again you will get the police involved because you don't want to be harassed. And then have a friend stay with you on Saturday. Later you guys can look back and laugh about how you were freaked out by something so silly, but better safe than sorry, right?
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 11:03 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd text back again and let them know that they got your number by mistake, you have nothing to do with "Alex" and that if they contact you again or come to your home, you'll contact the police.If they respond (some people are what we call "felony stupid"), phone the non-emergency number for your local police and tell them about the harassing texts. They'll document it in case anything happens later, and possibly they'll be willing to have a cop call these people and tell them to knock it off.
posted by Hylas at 11:11 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Hylas at 11:11 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Imagine the other AskMe:
"So, I posted an ad somewhere saying I had bookshelves I didn't need and wanted to get rid of. Somebody texts me with an address and I'm like hey, sure, and I tried to find the place but couldn't. So I try calling them back and the person insists they don't know who the person who texted me is. So I tried replying to the text because I don't want to just screw this person somehow if they're expecting my bookshelves, and now there's no response at all. Am I being pranked or could this somehow be some sort of a scam?"
You didn't explain ever what actually happened, you just told them that there was no Alex at your number. But there is--at least, the person they think of as "Alex", the sender of the original text. So they're confused, too. This probably isn't the brightest way for them to handle it, but I really can't read into this that it's anybody who intends malice at all.
I'd text back to say hey, sorry for the confusion, I was trying to text *to* Alex about something, I'm not Alex, and I'm not interested in your bookshelf, sorry. And then worry about it later if they keep bothering you after that.
posted by gracedissolved at 11:16 AM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
"So, I posted an ad somewhere saying I had bookshelves I didn't need and wanted to get rid of. Somebody texts me with an address and I'm like hey, sure, and I tried to find the place but couldn't. So I try calling them back and the person insists they don't know who the person who texted me is. So I tried replying to the text because I don't want to just screw this person somehow if they're expecting my bookshelves, and now there's no response at all. Am I being pranked or could this somehow be some sort of a scam?"
You didn't explain ever what actually happened, you just told them that there was no Alex at your number. But there is--at least, the person they think of as "Alex", the sender of the original text. So they're confused, too. This probably isn't the brightest way for them to handle it, but I really can't read into this that it's anybody who intends malice at all.
I'd text back to say hey, sorry for the confusion, I was trying to text *to* Alex about something, I'm not Alex, and I'm not interested in your bookshelf, sorry. And then worry about it later if they keep bothering you after that.
posted by gracedissolved at 11:16 AM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
Have a male call them back and say they are Alex.
Having a male call might clear this up if it is a misunderstanding, and discourage them from contacting you again if it is not a misunderstanding.
Win-Win.
posted by jbenben at 11:20 AM on June 29, 2011
Having a male call might clear this up if it is a misunderstanding, and discourage them from contacting you again if it is not a misunderstanding.
Win-Win.
posted by jbenben at 11:20 AM on June 29, 2011
I wanted to add something to all these people thinking that the people on the other end are actually trying to sell their bookshelf. Are you guys crazy? On what planet wouldn't that be the hugest coincidence ever! There is NO WAY this is a legitimate mix up. They're being too weird. It's a prank at the very least.
posted by katypickle at 11:21 AM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by katypickle at 11:21 AM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
I wanted to add something to all these people thinking that the people on the other end are actually trying to sell their bookshelf. Are you guys crazy? On what planet wouldn't that be the hugest coincidence ever!
Honestly, stranger coincidences have happened. I happened to get a free air conditioner because I happened to be walking up to my building at the precise moment that someone from my building was bringing their AC out to the curb. I stopped him and asked if he was getting rid of it, and why. "It works fine," he said, "it's just not big enough and I was going to just give it away."
"I was just thinking a half hour ago that I should get an air conditioner," I said. "bring that up to 4-B."
It's very possible for this to be a coincidence.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:28 AM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
Honestly, stranger coincidences have happened. I happened to get a free air conditioner because I happened to be walking up to my building at the precise moment that someone from my building was bringing their AC out to the curb. I stopped him and asked if he was getting rid of it, and why. "It works fine," he said, "it's just not big enough and I was going to just give it away."
"I was just thinking a half hour ago that I should get an air conditioner," I said. "bring that up to 4-B."
It's very possible for this to be a coincidence.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:28 AM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
I'm going against those saying it's a mix up. It seems creepy to me, it's probably some sort of scam, or a creep who was thrilled to get his hands on some random woman's address and phone number. I would call, or better, have a guy call, explain that they have the wrong number and tell them not to call or text again or you will contact the police. And do contact the police if they continue harassing you. And also consider someone who speaks Spanish, it does seem like they are not native English speakers, but definitely giving off a creepy vibe to me.
posted by catatethebird at 11:44 AM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by catatethebird at 11:44 AM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
I wanted to add something to all these people thinking that the people on the other end are actually trying to sell their bookshelf. Are you guys crazy? On what planet wouldn't that be the hugest coincidence ever!
Seconding EmpressCallipygos that it certainly could be a coincidence and that stranger things have happened - I once had someone leave a message on my phone asking if I was still interested in their van, and they even referred to me by my first name (one that, while not unheard of, isn't super-common). I was freaked out at the possibility that some sort of identity theft was going on, but when I called back it turned out they really were looking for a different person who just happened to have the same first name and a similar phone number.
Nthing the advice to respond (or get a friend to respond) to clear things up if you like, but also to keep in mind that while it doesn't hurt to be careful, weird stuff happens sometimes but you don't need to let it scare you overmuch.
posted by DingoMutt at 12:13 PM on June 29, 2011
Seconding EmpressCallipygos that it certainly could be a coincidence and that stranger things have happened - I once had someone leave a message on my phone asking if I was still interested in their van, and they even referred to me by my first name (one that, while not unheard of, isn't super-common). I was freaked out at the possibility that some sort of identity theft was going on, but when I called back it turned out they really were looking for a different person who just happened to have the same first name and a similar phone number.
Nthing the advice to respond (or get a friend to respond) to clear things up if you like, but also to keep in mind that while it doesn't hurt to be careful, weird stuff happens sometimes but you don't need to let it scare you overmuch.
posted by DingoMutt at 12:13 PM on June 29, 2011
a creep who was thrilled to get his hands on some random woman's address and phone number
Does he not own a phonebook? I've never heard of any sort of scam or crime that requires someone to accidentally text them their address, and then continues by trying to get them to accept a bookshelf. Thinking that this is anything other than a confused person trying to sell something seems paranoid in my opinion.
posted by burnmp3s at 12:28 PM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
Does he not own a phonebook? I've never heard of any sort of scam or crime that requires someone to accidentally text them their address, and then continues by trying to get them to accept a bookshelf. Thinking that this is anything other than a confused person trying to sell something seems paranoid in my opinion.
posted by burnmp3s at 12:28 PM on June 29, 2011 [6 favorites]
I wanted to add something to all these people thinking that the people on the other end are actually trying to sell their bookshelf. Are you guys crazy? On what planet wouldn't that be the hugest coincidence ever!
This doesn't seem like that big of a coincidence. The OP bought chairs, not a bookshelf. We'd be seeing this same askme if the mystery party claimed to have a credenza, tv or bicycle to deliver. We might be seeing a similar askme it if the mystery party was looking for an apartment to rent, party or babysitter.
There have been occasions where I have been expecting (or at least unsurprised by) an address from which to pick up a purchase or look at an apartment. These occasions are not common, but they outnumber the occasions in which I have been waiting for a random address to appear on my phone which I can burgle.
posted by justkevin at 12:32 PM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
This doesn't seem like that big of a coincidence. The OP bought chairs, not a bookshelf. We'd be seeing this same askme if the mystery party claimed to have a credenza, tv or bicycle to deliver. We might be seeing a similar askme it if the mystery party was looking for an apartment to rent, party or babysitter.
There have been occasions where I have been expecting (or at least unsurprised by) an address from which to pick up a purchase or look at an apartment. These occasions are not common, but they outnumber the occasions in which I have been waiting for a random address to appear on my phone which I can burgle.
posted by justkevin at 12:32 PM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
A lot of people are trying to sell stuff these days. I bet if you took a poll of the people in this thread, a significant percentage have posted an ad to Craigslist within the last 60 days.
If I were in your shoes, I would get a male friend to phone back and say, "Hi, I'm Alex. I texted to you by mistake. I was buying something from someone else. Sorry." If you have a male friend who can switch to Spanish in a pinch, all the better.
Doing this will cover all your bases. If it was a prank, it fizzles. If it was menacing, they think that a dude named Alex lives there. If it was a misunderstanding, it clears it up with the fewest steps. (Explaining that you're not Alex AND you texted the wrong number? Too many steps.)
If you don't know any male friends who fit the bill, I bet AskMe can help you out there, too! I'm sure some really awesome AskMe person (either male, or able to borrow one) is in your area and would be willing to meet you at a Starbucks to make the call from your phone!
posted by ErikaB at 12:38 PM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
If I were in your shoes, I would get a male friend to phone back and say, "Hi, I'm Alex. I texted to you by mistake. I was buying something from someone else. Sorry." If you have a male friend who can switch to Spanish in a pinch, all the better.
Doing this will cover all your bases. If it was a prank, it fizzles. If it was menacing, they think that a dude named Alex lives there. If it was a misunderstanding, it clears it up with the fewest steps. (Explaining that you're not Alex AND you texted the wrong number? Too many steps.)
If you don't know any male friends who fit the bill, I bet AskMe can help you out there, too! I'm sure some really awesome AskMe person (either male, or able to borrow one) is in your area and would be willing to meet you at a Starbucks to make the call from your phone!
posted by ErikaB at 12:38 PM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
That would be too much of a coincidence for this to be a coincidence and as a woman who lives alone, I would be legitimately spooked too. I would make sure not be alone on that day. This may have not risen to the level of harassment but still, my creepy male radar went off. I get where you are coming from.
posted by Sylvia Plath's terrible fish at 12:46 PM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Sylvia Plath's terrible fish at 12:46 PM on June 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
This whole situation is very weird. The OP accidentally texted
Thanks, Alex. My address is _________. Let me know if you need anything else
to the wrong number. Whomever received the message presumed that "Alex" was the sender. Then they texted
Alex we can't find [my street name], we are on [nearby intersection].
If this was simply a miscommunication, why would the recipient of the wrong message physically haul furniture to an intersection in search of someone from whom they have not received any payment? (Unless this is THE biggest coincidence in the world and some person named Alex did pay for furniture purchased from them.) Even if it was free furniture offered on Craig's List, that doesn't usually include home delivery. Something is definitely hinky....I don't know if I'd involve the police, but I like the idea of having a male friend call the number, say that there is no Alex at this number, and to please stop harrassing his wife.
posted by Oriole Adams at 12:55 PM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
Thanks, Alex. My address is _________. Let me know if you need anything else
to the wrong number. Whomever received the message presumed that "Alex" was the sender. Then they texted
Alex we can't find [my street name], we are on [nearby intersection].
If this was simply a miscommunication, why would the recipient of the wrong message physically haul furniture to an intersection in search of someone from whom they have not received any payment? (Unless this is THE biggest coincidence in the world and some person named Alex did pay for furniture purchased from them.) Even if it was free furniture offered on Craig's List, that doesn't usually include home delivery. Something is definitely hinky....I don't know if I'd involve the police, but I like the idea of having a male friend call the number, say that there is no Alex at this number, and to please stop harrassing his wife.
posted by Oriole Adams at 12:55 PM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
Have you tried googling the phone number the texts are coming from? Maybe they will turn up a craigslist ad for a bookshelf, and you can stop worrying.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:57 PM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by oneirodynia at 12:57 PM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
If this was simply a miscommunication, why would the recipient of the wrong message physically haul furniture to an intersection in search of someone from whom they have not received any payment?
Some people are REALLY dim.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:14 PM on June 29, 2011
Some people are REALLY dim.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:14 PM on June 29, 2011
I agree, this is too weird to assume coincidence. Text back that you want the bookshelf delivered to your husband at work, and give them the address of the local police station.
posted by dzot at 1:49 PM on June 29, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by dzot at 1:49 PM on June 29, 2011 [2 favorites]
This could possibly be a bookshelf & everything else fits (willing to deliver, proximity to the location in your profile, date of ad posting, tejeda). Does the number match? In any event, I think this is most likely a misunderstanding, but if you feel unsafe, some of the suggestions in the thread make sense.
posted by eunoia at 1:54 PM on June 29, 2011 [23 favorites]
posted by eunoia at 1:54 PM on June 29, 2011 [23 favorites]
I verified that the tejeda in the ad is the same as the tejeda in the texts (via e-mail) so this is definitely just a misunderstanding. I let the OP know, but I think she might have already figured it out as the question is tagged "resolved."
posted by eunoia at 2:42 PM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by eunoia at 2:42 PM on June 29, 2011 [5 favorites]
That is one hell of a coincidence.
posted by Sylvia Plath's terrible fish at 2:43 PM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Sylvia Plath's terrible fish at 2:43 PM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Amazing detective work, eunoia. OP owes you thanks.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 4:31 PM on June 29, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by ethnomethodologist at 4:31 PM on June 29, 2011 [4 favorites]
After I'd kicked my suicidal ex out of the house (and therefore lived alone), I received a text from an unknown number late one night that said nothing but "I'm here".
That freaked me out. And yet it was a coincidence. I'm sure whoever was on the other end would have probably felt like a gigantic asshole had he or she know just how scared I was.
I vote for mixup with language barrier thrown in for kicks. I still get phone calls in Spanish, from the sane people, for this girl Laura who must have had my number before me and it's been five years.
posted by lydhre at 6:26 PM on June 29, 2011
That freaked me out. And yet it was a coincidence. I'm sure whoever was on the other end would have probably felt like a gigantic asshole had he or she know just how scared I was.
I vote for mixup with language barrier thrown in for kicks. I still get phone calls in Spanish, from the sane people, for this girl Laura who must have had my number before me and it's been five years.
posted by lydhre at 6:26 PM on June 29, 2011
*same not sane. I know nothing about their mental health, beyond their apparent inability to understand the concept of a "wrong number".
posted by lydhre at 6:27 PM on June 29, 2011
posted by lydhre at 6:27 PM on June 29, 2011
Wow, amazing work eunoia!
posted by hungrytiger at 10:35 PM on June 29, 2011
posted by hungrytiger at 10:35 PM on June 29, 2011
The game is up. Hudson has told all. Fly for your life.
posted by flabdablet at 8:08 AM on June 30, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by flabdablet at 8:08 AM on June 30, 2011 [1 favorite]
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