The Franklin Police Department has warned the public about an increase in wrong number text scams. These scams often begin with an unsolicited message that appears to be sent by mistake and gradually develops into a friendly or romantic conversation. According to the Franklin Police Department's Facebook post, scammers work to gain trust before requesting money, commonly claiming it is needed to purchase a plane ticket.
In some cases, the scam escalates when victims are encouraged to share explicit photos, which are later used for blackmail. The department noted that cryptocurrency is frequently requested in these situations and reported that many people have contacted police after experiencing this type of scam.
The Franklin Police Department is urging residents to remain cautious when communicating with unknown individuals online. The department advises against sending money, personal information, or images to anyone whose identity cannot be verified and encourages anyone who encounters suspicious activity to report it directly to police.
