TULSA – Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit issues this consumer alert about texting scam:
The Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit issued a consumer alert Tuesday for a text message scam that claims recipients have won a Wal-Mart gift card. The scam uses the store’s name to lure unsuspecting consumers into providing personal and financial information.
These types of scams delivered via mobile phones are known as smishing. Con-artists randomly send out messages in an attempt to obtain information, and often go to great lengths to make the messages appear authentic.
Wal-Mart recently posted an alert on its website declaring the messages fake and that the company doesn’t participate in these types of promotions or request personal information in this manner.
“Always be cautious when asked to give out personal information, especially when you didn’t initiate the contact,” Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “When in doubt it’s best to verify or disregard the request.”
Attorney General Pruitt said consumers increase the likelihood of getting spam messages when they sign up for mobile apps, because they’ve increased the number of people who have their information.
For tips on avoiding fraud or to report a fraudulent text, consumers can call the Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029 or go online to www.oag.ok.gov .
Last week the Better Business Bureau issued a warning and Walmart added a word of caution on its Web site.
People across the country are getting the text messages but the BBB wants you to know you have not won a $1,000 gift card but replying to the text could cost you.
Jaquelyn got the text and says “I was excited to get $1,000 from Walmart!”
Then she decided to check further because it did sound too good to be true. She stopped before sharing information.
The Better Business Bureau warns “the text message is a twist on the classic email phishing scam, where scammers pose as a legitimate organization and send out emails containing links to scam sites.”
The scammers want your personal information including a credit card number.
The BBB provides a sample of what one of the text messages looks like including the suspicious link.
Do not enter any information or follow any link included.
Walmart has posted a statement on its website, as well, stating you will not get a giftcard and the texts are in no way associated with Walmart.
Click here for a link about how to report this, and other spam you may receive via text message.
Click here to access the BBB’s Scam List.
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