Published: Apr 22, 2022 08:10 AM
HARTFORD — Attorney General William Tong on April 20 warned Connecticut residents to be wary of text message scams pretending to sell merchandise benefiting local fire departments.
Over the holiday weekend, at least eight Connecticut fire departments and companies reported that residents had received text messages purporting to be from the fire department or company advertising and selling discounted fire department merchandise.
“Scammers take advantage of generous and good-hearted people who just want to help. Do not fall for their tactics,” Tong said. “f you receive one of these messages or any solicitations for a donation or purchase, do your homework first. Take your time and verify that the organization is legitimate and that your donation is going where you think it is.”
Fire departments in Harwinton, Killingworth, Seymour and Newtown issued alerts over the weekend warning residents that these messages were scams and to ignore them. Newtown Hook & Ladder posted a note on its social networks last weekend reminding followers that their members do not solicit via text message. Hawleyville Volunteer Fire issued a similar statement on its Facebook page.
Tong reminds everyone: if an unsolicited text message or phone call with a link asking for a donation or requesting a purchase is received, do…
