South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning the public about a disturbing new scam involving fake claims from the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Scammers are sending alarming text messages, falsely accusing recipients of inappropriate online interactions with minors and demanding payment to avoid arrest. Jackley reminds citizens. “Real law enforcement will never demand money or threaten arrest via text.”
The scam came to light after a Connecticut man was contacted by someone posing as “Sgt. Walker” from the South Dakota ICAC Task Force, claiming he owed a $1,000 fine. The man wisely reached out to South Dakota authorities, who confirmed the call was fraudulent and that no such officer exists.
Jackley’s office has also received reports of similar scams, including messages falsely claiming individuals were photographed viewing adult websites and demanding payment.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or visit consumer.sd.gov.
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