Texted Hoax Says Women Being Killed at Wal-Marts

Ad Age reports that a text message hoax is warning women they could be killed by Mexican gangs at Wal-Mart stores. The article says police are receiving lots of calls from people concerned about the hoax text messages.

News reports from around the U.S. say police departments have been besieged by calls regarding the hoax texts, and Walmart has reached No. 5 on Twitter's list of trending topics. The text messages appear to be tailored to local conditions -- warning of gang activity in areas where gangs are active, but vaguer threats in areas, such as Walmart's home of Northwest Arkansas, where they aren't.

A text rumor making the rounds in New Mexico says three women are to be killed in an initiation rite for a Mexican gang. Texts in several areas say the police have issued a warning, which has been untrue in each case, according to reports. At press time, news reports had identified the hoax in at least 16 states, including Maryland, Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Hawaii.

Wal-Mart issued a statement that says safety and security of their customers is the retailer's top priority.

"The safety and security of our customers and associates is our top priority. We are aware of the message being circulated and are working with local authorities to enhance our security efforts at our stores. While we take these types of situations seriously, we regard this as being only a rumor, much like similar rumors that have circulated via e-mail in previous years."

Walmart is participating in tonight's midnight Twilight parties so the false text messages could potentially scare off customers and reduce turn-out. Fortunately, it looks like the message that these stories are false is getting out pretty quickly.

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