PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warns the public about a text scam involving the State’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).

“These text messages are designed to create fear and confusion – don’t fall for it,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or threaten arrest.”

Attorney General Jackley said ICAC was notified after an adult male from Connecticut had communicated via text message with someone that they met on a dating site. The following day, the Connecticut resident received a call from a male subject claiming to be “Sgt. Walker” with the South Dakota ICAC Task Force. The scammer told the Connecticut resident that the person he had been communicating with via text message was a minor. The resident was asked to pay $1,000.

The Connecticut resident did not send any money and instead contacted the South Dakota ICAC Task Force and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to confirm the validity of the phone call. The ICAC Task Force does not have any members named “Sgt. Walker.”

Attorney General Jackley said his office also has received complaints from individuals who have received text messages claiming they were photographed watching porn sites and demanding money. He said that is also a scam.

People who have been a victim of any type of scam should contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or athttps://consumer.sd.gov/.