State cracks down on "smishing"

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's a text message scam that can leave unsuspecting consumers flat broke.

New York State's top prosecutor is cracking down on "smishing" crooks.

Earlier this month, woodworker Dave Elberson revealed a series of bogus text messages warning him his non-existent bank account was frozen, that he knew right away was a ripoff.

Security experts have coined a term for these kinds of bogus text messages, attempting to steal your ID, smishing.

That's a phishing attack aimed at stealing your identity, by the cell phone's short message service, or SMS.

Yet another scheme to steal your money.

Now, we've learned Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is cracking down on smishing complaints due to widespread consumer complaints.

"They had withdrawals from their banks accounts. Yes, they did suffer losses," said Letizia Tagliafierro, Assistant Attorney General.

And now Tagliafierro says, they are taking action.

To reel in these phishing scams, Sprint has set up an email address, to forward consumer complaints.

It's abuse@messaging.SprintPCS.com.

You can also file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Frauds Bureau.

Their hotline here in Buffalo is 853-8404.

Also, check here for more information.