The Missouri Attorney General is warning people about phony text messages that people are receiving on their smartphones saying that the person receiving the text has just won a free Walmart or Costco gift card.  However, when people click on the link they receive no prize, but they do download on to their smartphone keystroke logging malware that can enable the identity thief who sent the text  message to steal personal information from their phone that can lead to their becoming a victim of identity theft.

TIPS

By no means is this threat unique to Missouri, this identity theft scheme is being used throughout the country.  Never trust any text message or email message that tells you that you have won a contest that you have not entered and never click on any link unless you are absolutely positive that the link is legitimate.  Trust me, you can’t trust anyone.  If you have any doubts, check with your local attorney general or the real company that is supposedly sponsoring the contest.