The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a text message scam designed to trick recipients into providing credit card information.

According to the sheriff’s office, the fraudulent text uses a recipient’s real name and claims they have an incomplete concealed carry weapon, or CCW, permit application. The message instructs the recipient to click a link and pay a $45 fee through a company identified as Advanced Training Portal.

Officials said the link automatically populates the recipient’s name, email address and phone number before prompting them to enter a credit card number. In the reported case, the recipient recognized the message as fraudulent and did not submit payment.

The sheriff’s office said the message is not legitimate and did not originate from the agency or any of its affiliates.

Officials emphasized that the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office never solicits money or requests payment of fees or fines over the phone.

What to Do if You Receive This Message?

Anyone who receives a similar message is urged to ignore it.

Information on identifying and reporting scams is available through the Federal Trade Commission at consumer.ftc.gov/scams.

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