Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster issued a warning Wednesday about recent activity by identity thieves to steal information by offering fake prizes like Walmart or Costco gift cards.
According to Koster, these scam text messages ask the consumer to click a link to claim their prize.
When the consumer clicks the link, their cell phone is automatically infected with malware that allows identity thieves access to personal information, such as social security numbers and bank information.
This scam is called "smishing."
Koster said if consumers are ever in doubt as to whether to open a link, they should just delete it.
He also suggested consumers consider putting "security freezes" on their credit reports.
Missouri law allows residents to notify credit reporting agencies not to give any business or person your credit information unless you so authorize.