PBS Warns Of Scammers Pretending to Fundraise For PBS TV Stations

Public Service Announcement

KEET-TV, the PBS affiliate serving Humboldt County and its surrounding areas in Northern California, has issued a public alert about a surge in fraudulent text messages targeting local residents. These messages falsely claim that PBS or public broadcasting services are on the verge of shutting down and urge recipients to make urgent donations to avert the loss of programming.

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The scam capitalizes on recent developments involving the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which announced its closure in January 2026 due to the termination of federal grants. Scammers have seized on this news to fabricate a crisis narrative, suggesting that without immediate financial support from the public, essential broadcasting operations will cease entirely. In reality, KEET-TV and the broader PBS network continue to operate normally, delivering educational, cultural, and community-focused content as they have for decades.

The deceptive texts originate from unfamiliar numbers and often use alarming language to create panic and prompt quick action. They typically include links directing users to fraudulent websites that resemble legitimate donation portals. These sites attempt to obtain personal and financial information, including credit card details, under the guise of processing contributions. In some cases, the messages request direct payments through untraceable methods or ask recipients to reply with sensitive data.

KEET-TV emphasizes that legitimate donation requests from the station or PBS never come through random text messages. Official communications use verified email addresses ending in keet.org, direct visitors to the main website at keet.org without relying on shortened or suspicious links, and align with announcements made on air, through the official website, or via verified social media channels. The station maintains its commitment to transparency and has never used unsolicited texting as a fundraising tool.

Residents who receive such messages face significant risks if they engage with them. Clicking on embedded links can lead to malware installation, identity theft, or unauthorized charges. Responding to the texts may confirm an active phone number to scammers, resulting in further harassment through additional fraudulent contacts. As text-based fraud continues to rise, financial losses from similar phishing schemes have mounted nationwide.

To protect themselves, individuals should immediately delete suspicious messages without replying or clicking any included links. Marking them as spam helps phone carriers filter similar attempts in the future. If someone is uncertain about a communication’s authenticity, they can verify it directly through the official KEET-TV website or by contacting the station using publicly listed phone numbers and addresses. Avoiding interaction with unknown senders remains the most effective defense against these tactics.

This incident highlights broader trends in digital fraud during early 2026, where scammers exploit real-world events to craft convincing stories. Public broadcasting outlets like KEET-TV play a crucial role in rural communities by providing reliable news, educational programming, and emergency information. Despite funding challenges, the station continues to serve as a trusted resource for Humboldt County residents.

Authorities and consumer protection groups urge ongoing vigilance with unsolicited messages of all kinds. Reporting suspected scams to phone providers, the Federal Trade Commission, or local law enforcement contributes to disrupting these operations and protecting others from falling victim. KEET-TV’s proactive warning aims to safeguard its viewing community and reinforce the enduring importance of public media in an era of increasing online deception.

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Dan Uff

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