A large number of Missouri residents are now receiving text messages from fraudsters that say they can win prizes by going to a certain Web address.
Of course, when those who fall for the crime do head to the website, they're asked to provide sensitive personal data, according to a report from the
state's Attorney General's office. And those who click the link using their smartphone will automatically download malware that mines their device for data to steal.
"My office is seeing a lot of illegitimate text messages promising free gift cards," said Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster. “We are warning Missourians not to fall for these scams and not to open the link in the text message. You should never open a link in a text or email unless you know the sender very well and trust that he or she would only send you safe links."
Adam Levin, chairman for
Identity Theft 911, has a blog about the dangers consumers face in their everyday lives that can put their sensitive personal and financial data at risk.
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