DEARBORN (WWJ) -- Dearborn officials are warning residents about a scam after people are being contacted by social media accounts impersonating government officials.
The City of Dearborn said the social media scam's goal is to impersonate Dearborn's elected officials and defraud residents -- and some non-residents as well.
According to officials, the fake accounts are impersonating government officials such as the Chief of Police or members of the City Council.
"The purpose of these activities is to leverage personal information about residents or their households to phish for personal, financial or identity information in order to commit fraud," said officials.
City officials say these fraudulent accounts can be elaborate and appear very similar to a real account. For example, the username might include the name of the government official. The account might even share the same profile picture or description. They may post identical photos previously shared on a real account.
Authorities say if you receive a message from one of these accounts, immediately block and report them. Government agencies and elected officials will never call, email, direct message or text you to ask for money or personal information.
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Here are a few tips to avoid scammers, according to the Federal Trade Commission:
• Don’t wire money, send cash or use gift cards or cryptocurrency to pay someone who says they are from the government.
• Don’t send personal or financial information to someone who texts, calls, direct messages or emails and says they are with the government.
• Don’t click on links in unexpected emails, texts or direct messages. They could be viruses.
The City of Dearborn reminds all community members to never share personal or financial information online, no matter how real or authoritative an account may appear
If you or someone you know receives a message from one of these fraudulent accounts, or if you feel that an account is trying to solicit personal or financial information from you, please call Sargent Harless at the Dearborn Police Detective Bureau at (313)-943-2132.
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