CFA: Texting Scams Exposed

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Call 12 for Action is getting to the bottom of the latest scam sweeping the nation, text messages announcing you've won a gift card.

They claim to be from a national retailer, most often Walmart and Bestbuy, but in order to access the prize you have to give up your personal information.

Consumer experts tell us, those scammers then take that information and open up lines of credit in your name.

The best advice?  Don't click on the link.

In almost every case, the text will prove to be a bogus.

Other precautions include:

• Don't respond.  That encourages more fraudulent messages
• Block unwanted text messages through your cell phone provider
• Put your mobile phone number on the do not call list

You can sign up to three phone numbers on the national do not call list, including your cell phone.

Online:

https://www.donotcall.gov/