Detroit Police Issue Warning Over Scam Text Messages

The Detroit Police Department recently issued a public warning about a phishing text message scam circulating in the area, urging residents to be cautious and avoid engaging with suspicious messages. Officials shared examples of the fraudulent texts on the department’s official social media accounts, highlighting how the scam attempts to trick people into clicking links or providing personal information.

According to the department, the scam messages may appear to come from an official source but are designed to deceive recipients into believing they are legitimate. If a person receives one of these texts, police advise not to reply, click on any links, or enter any personal data. Instead, recipients should delete the message immediately and report it as spam.

Phishing scams sent via text — sometimes called “smishing” — aim to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, or identity data by luring victims to fake websites or prompting them to respond under false pretenses. Law enforcement and consumer protection officials across Michigan have seen an increase in similar scams, including fake messages about unpaid tolls, government notices, or account issues that prompt urgent action.

The Detroit Police Department’s alert is part of a broader effort to educate the public on how to recognize and avoid scams. Residents are reminded to be skeptical of unsolicited communications, verify requests by contacting the organization directly through official channels, and never provide personal information in response to unexpected texts or emails.

For added protection, consumers can report suspicious texts to their mobile carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and to regulatory bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission.