I do recognise that a lot of it is probably just playing up for the joke, but I assume it has to come from somewhere. I regularly see posts where basically Person A sends an odd image/message, then follows up with “wrong number, sorry” and Person B responds with “wait stay”.
Do Americans, as a rule, not save phone numbers? Or is it purely a bit that has become a trope?
I just talk to people and go along with it and see how much they say. I had a really long conversation with someone who thought I was ‘Tiff’ one time.
I am always wary of this behavior. So I basically try saying vague things about something only that person would know and if the answers are not in line then I assume they are no longer the right person.
As long as you aren’t malicious I don’t think it’s horrible though sadly in today’s world this should probably be protected against. You could very easily take advantage of an unsuspecting person.