PSA: Chabad Girls Being Targeted For Luring Scam By Text

by CrownHeights.info

At least four Chabad girls have reported having received an enticing text from “Mendy Pellin’s Office” to their phones erev Shabbos, in what is shaping up to be a frightening luring scam.

The message, which comes from a “443” number and claims to be from “Sara Goldman”, asks the girls to join them for a video shoot taking place in Lakewood, and invites the girls to come by bus or train, even with a friend.

“Parents: If your child got a message like this – it is NOT from my office. I urge you to report it to the authorities,” Mendy Pellin wrote on Twitter. “At best it’s a prank. At worst, it’s someone trying to lure your kid. Best to be safe.”

Interestingly, in one text exchange between a girl and the person, the final text sent Friday took place after Shabbos had already begun.

Such attempts to lure an underage person is a very serious crime, and it remains to be seen if a law enforcement investigation will be launched.