Police: Text message not related to sex trafficking

A text message from an unfamiliar number has caught traction on social media as a sex trafficking scheme.

The message states “Someone complimented you! See more on IRL,” followed by a link for IOS or Android devices.

Posts on social media warned others to not click the link because it leads to a site related to sex trafficking and puts a tracker on people’s phones.

However, law enforcement agencies have investigated the texts and said that’s not the case. The Kansas City (Missouri) Police Department said its investigators have “no reports to substantiate the claim of sex trafficking being associated with this text message,” in a post on the department’s Facebook page.

Technology expert Jonathan Sessions said people should use extreme caution with messages of this nature.

“All of the sudden it has your contact information,” he said. “It then uploads that to its servers and sends a series of text messages to all of your friends.”

Sessions said data mining is extremely valuable.

“It’s how companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google truly are making their money,” he said.

The message is labeled as coming from an app called IRL, In Real Life. The app’s self-described purpose is “bringing people together in real life.”

IRL’s website states the only people who will receive a text message are those whose friends have used their contact information to invite them to an event or download the app or nominate them.

Better Business Bureau regional director Michelle Gleba said many scams target young people.

“Verify before you download an attachment or click a link,” she said.