Don't Click: Guilford Fire Department Warns Residents About Scam Texts

GUILFORD, CT — If you get a text like this, delete it. It's a scam.

The Guilford Fire Department is concerned that residents who get the texts might click on a link inside the bogus message, a link that could be harmful to your device, and privacy.

"There is an ongoing Scam claiming that fire departments are selling T-shirts and you can get up to $10 off by clicking on the link in the text message. Today, a text message was sent out stating that the Guilford Fire Department is selling T-shirts. We are not selling any T-shirts. Please do not open any emails from people that you do not know or recognize," the fire department posted on its Facebook page.

The messages read: "Dear ________. Guilford Fire Department shirt 10$ OFF ready to order now" with a link to click on.

It's a scam.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also warned residents to be wary of text message scams pretending to sell merchandise benefiting local fire departments.

Tong confirmed that, like Guilford, and nearby East Haven, at least eight other Connecticut fire departments reported that residents had received text messages purporting to be from the fire department with links advertising and selling discounted fire department merchandise.

“Scammers take advantage of generous and goodhearted people who just want to help. Do not fall for their tactics,” Tong said. “If 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.”

If you receive an unsolicited text message or phone call with a link asking for a donation or requesting that you make a purchase, do not click the link.

If the message comes from an organization you are familiar with, such as your local fire department, call the non-emergency line and verify that they are indeed seeking donations or selling merchandise.

More Tips for Giving Safely:

• Do your homework. Before making a charitable donation, make sure you know who you are dealing with and what your donation will be used for. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, or Guidestar are good resources for verifying a charity is legitimate.
• Charities soliciting in Connecticut must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection. You can verify a registration by visiting elicense.ct.gov.
• Don’t be pressured. Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for payment in cash or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation.
• Be careful when giving out your personal information or credentials. Sometimes donors are required to make an account with their personal information in order to give to a charity. Those accounts can be compromised, and your information can be stolen.
• Tax Deductible Donations: If making a tax-deductible donation is important to you, use the Exempt Organizations Select Tool at IRS.gov to find qualified charities. Only donations to qualified charitable organizations are tax-deductible. Once you have made your donation, be sure to get a receipt for your contribution.
• Keep records of your donations. If you donate by credit card, check your statements closely to make sure you’re charged only for what you agreed to donate.

Connecticut residents may report charity related fraud by contacting the Office of the Attorney General via email at attorney.general@ct.gov or by calling 860-808-5318. Complaints can be filed here.