South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging consumers to stay vigilant as text message scams continue to rise ahead of International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 16–22. Jackley warns that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using fake delivery notifications, bank alerts, government impersonations, prize claims, and even “wrong number” texts to trick people into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information.
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warns consumers not to believe every text message they receive.
“Scammers have become more adept at tailoring their messages to individual people,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Check first before clicking onto links found in text messages and never send money or personal information via text.”
Among the text message scams being reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division are:
Next week, Nov. 16-22, is International Fraud Awareness Week. Attorney General Jackley said consumers should be wary of receiving unexpected messages about a service you haven’t used or a contest you haven’t entered; messages demanding that you take immediate action; legitimate companies rarely ask a consumer to log into a link posted in a text message or ask for personal or financial information; and text messages that including poor grammar or spelling.
“Take your time when you receive any type of unsolicited phone call, email or text message,” said Attorney General Jackley. “If you are unsure, ask for the advice of a family member or call the organization directly through its official contact information.”
Consumers who believe they may have been a victim of any scam should contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or at https://consumer.sd.gov/, You may be helping someone else out by reporting what you’ve encountered.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced that South Dakota will expand the South Dakota Partners in Education Scholarship program to allow donor tax credits for contributions to accredited public and private schools, marking a notable shift in education-funding policy and school-choice options.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging consumers to stay vigilant as text message scams continue to rise ahead of International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 16–22. Jackley warns that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using fake delivery notifications, bank alerts, government impersonations, prize claims, and even “wrong number” texts to trick people into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information.
Stacy Giblin has been appointed as the new General Manager of Mitchell Media Group, a Saga Communications company operating four local radio stations and MitchellNow.com in Mitchell, South Dakota.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials say late fall is a critical time to check docks and boat lifts for zebra mussels, with new detections confirmed at Sheridan Reservoir. The discovery marks the second zebra mussel–positive waterbody in western South Dakota.
The City of Mitchell has installed new all-way stop signs at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Foster Street. Motorists are urged to use caution and remain alert when approaching the area as drivers adjust to the change.