Technology and crime once again meet in a new scam with a new name. This type of scam has come to be known as 'Smishing' because of the use of SMS text technology. The phones at the Acadiana Better Business Bureau office have been ringing with reports from consumers across the area reporting scam text messages referring people to a site where they can "claim a Walmart Gift Card" by entering certain private personal information. Most of them say that consumers have won $1000. Similar to the way scam web sites send 'Phishing' emails, scam artists have been sending text messages offering free gift cards to consumers in exchange for entering information on a mobile website. The most popular website being used recently is called 'walmartgift.mobi'.
According to Walmart: This site is not owned, operated by, or affiliated with Walmart. Any site can be used for this scam and users are often asked for private personal information including credit card numbers or social security numbers. Providing this type of information is very likely to lead to identity theft or credit card fraud
The phone numbers of the text messages have varied according to Acadiana consumers this morning. In addition, BBB has had reports of request for credit card information to pay for shipping and handling fees.
BBB advises do not go to the site, click through any links or give out information.
The BBB reminds that if you have won something, you don't have to pay for it!
Walmart will never initiate a phone call or text message that asks for sensitive personal data like credit card information or social security numbers
The (scam) message to personal mobile phones are scams and are in no way sponsored by or affiliated with Walmart.
