A text messaging scam has been reported that targets people who may be looking to receive food benefits from the government. Text messages that say something like “you are eligible for food stamps” are scams that are just trying to get personal information. This style of criminal activity is called “smishing”.
A warning has been put out by the Office of the Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Criminals are impersonating government agencies, and preying on the vulnerable, in this instance.
Elizabeth Hertel, Director of MDHHS said, “I urge people to be on the alert for suspicious emails or texts about public assistance benefits.”
Consumers are reminded not to assume a text is legitimate because of a familiar area code or phone number, not to click links in suspicious texts, and not to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited texts or linked websites.
Even if the message says to “text STOP”, don’t do it. Report the message to your cell phone service provider by copying the message and texting it to 7726 (SPAM) to report it as suspicious.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
