Michigan State police warn text phishing scam is not human trafficking threat

[steven36]

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Michigan State Police officials have issued a warning that a text message scam making the rounds isn't what is seems.

 

 

Viral social media posts linked to the scam warn of possible human trafficking, but police said that is not the case.

 

You might have received the text saying, "someone has complimented you" that offers a link to click, allegedly to find out who that compliment is from.

 

Along with the text, has come multiple social media warnings that the sender can hack into your phone, find out where you are by using GPS and then take you into human trafficking.

 

Newschannel 3 took that claim to Detective Sergeant Sarah Krebs with Michigan State Police. She investigates human trafficking every day as part of their missing persons division. She said the text is a scam but not human trafficking.

 

"In no way is a sex trafficking attempt. And as far as I know there's no way for them to even get a location from you from your phone. So, whoever attached that phishing scheme to sex trafficking was just trying to you know, install fear in people,” said Krebs.

 

Krebs says the phishing scam could steal your valuable information but she is not aware of any type of software that would allow a hacker to track your location at all times.

 

Krebs said she sees warnings about human trafficking online every day and most times they are completely false. Most sex trafficking victims are targeted because they are already vulnerable people, according to Michigan State Police. The most at risk include runaway teens and those using drugs.

 

"We've never had a case that I know of in Michigan where somebody has been abducted and then brought into the world of sex trafficking," said D/Sgt. Krebs.

 

When it comes to those viral posts about human trafficking, Krebs said research before you share so you don’t spread more fear.

 

"I see a lot of people sharing with doing no vetting of the information and that's part of the problem. If you truly question it when why are you sharing it? Try to do your research before you're spreading rumors like that,” said Krebs.

 

If you do get that text, or one like it, police say to delete it and not to click the link.

 

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