A repeat sex offender from Detroit sent sexually explicit text messages to a minor while in a reentry center. He also received child pornography.

A Sterling Heights woman is accusing her ex-husband of stalking and making death threats after she received text messages threatening to “empty 17 bullets” in her head and a picture of several guns laid out on a bed at his parents’ house.

Scam artists have found many ways during the coronavirus pandemic to try and con people out of their money or personal information. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new text message claiming to offer $1,200 for participation in a local COVID study. “We have heard from consumers that there’s a text message going around that says if you participate in the study, you’ll earn $1,200,” said Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau. The difficulty is that you cannot, through a text message, determine if they’re a reputable company.”Click here to view the Better Business Bureau Scam TrackerWhen it comes to phishing scams, beware any unsolicited communication. Never click on links or download anything from a text message or email.

DETROIT Thieves are using technology to target online shoppers -- and lately, thats just about all of us. RELATED: Is that text spam? How to recognize suspicious text messagesThe high tech thieves are targeting cell phones and are hoping you -- like many -- have been doing extra shopping online during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you click the link sent with the text, its likely going to ask you to verify personal information or enter your credit card number. How to Report Spam Text MessagesIf you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:

Scam text messages are on the rise -- but how do you know for sure if a text is suspicious or not? Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to spot scam, spam of phishing text messages on your mobile device. Spam Text Messages and PhishingScammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. There are many ways you can filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you. How to Report Spam Text MessagesIf you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it: