Vt. Attorney General warns of texting scam

Published May 15, 2013 10:11am ET



MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell is warning people to beware of a texting scam that claims there is a problem with the consumer’s credit or debit card.

The scam currently targeting Vermont consumers appears to be using a technique of random digit dialing to contact consumers and may be targeting Verizon Wireless and Straight Talk/TracFone telephone exchanges.

Like “phishing” scams, which seek personal information over the phone or via e-mail, “SMiShing” uses text messages, technically called “Short Messaging Service,” to fraudulently acquire sensitive personal information.

Sorrell’s office is reminding consumers to be wary of text messages and calls they did not initiate. And consumers should never give out personal information to an unverified source.