Fraud Alert: U.S. Army warns of fake text messages about military draft
FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -- Fear of a possible draft has been breaking the internet and creating panic for some young men across the Valley.
A 25-year-old from Firebaugh reached out to FOX26 after receiving a text from an unknown number, claiming he had been drafted.
The text, falsely identifying the sender as the United States Army, asked the man to "come to the nearest branch in San Joaquin Valley area for immediate departure to Iran."
"Something happens and our anxiety increases and our fear increases and then we jump to what we think is a worst case scenario," says Navy veteran Jeffrey Smith.
He explained that there is nothing to fear with this text message.
"I think it's premature to talk about a draft at this point," said Smith.
For now, there is no draft, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command has made that clear.
There hasn't been a draft since the Vietnam war in 1973, and it would take a lot for there to ever be a draft again in the future.
It would only be possible through an act of congress signed into law by the president, only if there weren't enough troops available.
"There's a lot of people out there who if asked would serve. The draft is and has always been an option of last resort," Smith said.
Smith says that he does not see that happening.
As far as the possibility of there being a World War III, that's something Smith also says could, and should be avoided.
"They know the power that the United Stated military has. And self preservation almost always takes precedence over anything else... Obviously you don't want to invite conflict the challenge is understanding what is worth fighting for and what is not worth fighting for."
Smith says he hopes everyone can take a step back, including those who are spreading fear of a draft.
FOX26 reached out to the number that sent this fake draft text, but received no response.
But we heard it from the Army, texts of a draft are fake.
That being said, it is still required by law that all men ages 18 to 35 register for selective service.
If you don't, you could be ineligible for federal grants, jobs and could face a fine of up to $250,000, not to mention you could also serve up to 5 years in jail.
