Local fire departments warn of text message scam

BAY VIEW and MILAN – The Bay View Fire Department and Milan Township Fire Department are alerting residents that if you get a text message that appears to be from a fire department asking if you want to buy a t-shirt to not click on the link in the message, because it is a scam.

The text messages usually say they are from a fire department and are promoting a limited edition clothing line or t-shirt. The text messages include a link to a website where they say you can by a t-shirt with the department’s badge on it.

Both departments are making it clear that the texts are not from them.

This scam has been popping up across the country. WXIX in Cincinnati reports that Cincinnati-area fire departments are warning of the scam and KYMA/KECY in Yuma, Arizona reports that fire departments in their area are also issuing scam warnings.