https://www.reddit.com/r/RBI/comments/1if3l99/receiving_several_slightly_threatening_texts_from/
created by RDBlack on 01/02/2025 at 10:30 UTC
10 upvotes, 5 top-level comments (showing 5)
I have received roughly 10 or so text messages over the course of 2 weeks that are very vulgar and even slightly threatening. Making rude comments about me and my family member.
Each time the number changes, but the comments are similar so I know they come from the same origin. The numbers are completely varied and even have area codes from different states. The texter knows my name and even my mother's name, so I am uncertain if this person is somebody I know personally or someone who maybe got the info online from social media.
Is there a way to unmask the numbers and get the true one? At first I thought they were phishing scams, which is still possible but unlikely due to them knowing my name and my mother's name. They text at random times. 1 am, 9 am, 11 pm. They even called me but I didn't answer because I was sleeping.
Can the police do anything with this type of situation? This pretty much feels like a stalking situation to me.
Comment by needfulthing42 at 01/02/2025 at 10:48 UTC
38 upvotes, 1 direct replies
It's someone you know well and is very close to you. It's always someone you know well and are close to.
Comment by SnooDonuts6494 at 01/02/2025 at 10:53 UTC
11 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Not really.
If they only "slightly threatening", it's probably not a police matter.
You're not forced to read the messages. Delete, block, ignore. Never, ever respond.
I didn't answer because I was sleeping
Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. At all. Ever. If it's as genuine caller, they'll leave a message. If it's the stalker they might too, but you can just delete that.
If it does become more serious, it's the police's job to "unmask" the numbers, not yours.
Comment by ankole_watusi at 01/02/2025 at 11:47 UTC
7 upvotes, 1 direct replies
The most you can do is identify the VoIP service they are using.
Carrier-provided filtering apps can usually do this. For example Verizon Call Filter.
Police or criminal prosecutor or an attorney filing a John Doe case could then potentially compel the VoIP provider to reveal the identity of the caller.
IF they had used accurate ID.
The caller just configures the caller ID number they’d like to have shown. No hackery needed.
Comment by Definitely_wasnt_me at 01/02/2025 at 18:11 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I suspect you can figure out who this is based on who is a likely enemy in your life. Whoever this is knows you.
Comment by LoveDestroyRepeat at 01/02/2025 at 23:35 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Could it be a bitter ex, or a new partner they have?
Usually this type of behaviour is motivated by lust or possessiveness.