Authorities are warning residents about a scam that surfaced after last week’s shooting of Charlie Kirk. Cell phone users have reported receiving the fraudulent message, which officials say is designed to exploit Kirk’s death.
The scam texts pretend to come from Kirk’s wife, Erika, and urge people to donate in her husband’s honor. One of the fake messages reads, “Erika Kirk: I refuse to let the movement Charlie built die. It will only grow – stronger, bolder, louder. Join me” and includes a link.
In a public warning, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office said scammers are “trying to cash in on last week’s tragedy and at last one cell phone user in our area has received it.”
Authorities stressed that the message is not legitimate. “If you receive this message about Charlie Kirk, THIS IS A SCAM! PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MESSAGE,” the department cautioned.
Officials say the messages are crafted to play on emotions, making people believe they are helping Kirk’s family or continuing his mission. Instead, anyone who clicks the link risks identity theft, malware, or financial fraud.
Residents are urged to delete the messages immediately and report them to their carrier or local authorities. Law enforcement emphasizes that legitimate fundraising efforts will not come through random text messages with suspicious links.
