Columbia police warn of text message scam

The Columbia Police Department issued a scam warning on Wednesday after it received reports of someone using text messages to con people out of their money.

According to the department’s Facebook page, the scammer sends a text message from no number that has a “friend’s” name listed.

The text message tells the victim they can make money by sending money to the “Attorney General”.

If the person agrees, the scammer texts a phone number for the “Attorney General” and tells them to text it. The “Attorney General” responds by telling the victim to send $200 via MoneyGram to a contact. In return, the person is told they will get $1,500, but they never do.

The Columbia Police Department issued several recommendations if you were to receive a text message like this.

Never give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or Social Security numbers via text. Make sure to call the “friend” to verify the information. A 30-second phone call can save you money. If you call the number for the “Attorney General” to verify the information and recording picks up not stating the name of the company, this is a scam. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s likely not right.

If you have information about fraud, report it to the Columbia Police Department by calling 573-442-6131 or 573-875-8477.