DEFENDERS: Text tricks people into COVID-19 scams

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Attorney General is warning Missourians to keep an eye out for scammers trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The newest scam going around is being sent straight to people's phones.

People across the country have reported a coronavirus scam involving a text message. One of the texts reported said, "someone who came in contact with you tested positive for symptoms of COVID-19 & recommends you self-isolate/get tested." It also provides a link for the phone user to click on.

Don't click on the link. This is a way for hackers to get your personal information.

The state attorney general's office urges anyone who suspects a coronavirus-related scam to report it.

Coming mid-May, Apple and Google are working on technology that will allow a phone user to get an alert when they have been in close proximity with someone who has tested positive. Both companies said it would be able to trade information via Bluetooth connection to alert people.