Protect your phone:Spam texts target Android phones

Android moviles baratos owners should look out for a new spam scam, Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna's office warned Friday.

SpamSoldier spreads via text messages, saying recipients have won a $1,000 Target gift card or offering free versions of popular paid games such as "Angry Birds Space," and on disreputable, third-party app stores, the office said. Once on a phone, it uses the subscriber's allotment of text messages to reach more targets.

"Before you click on a link that is texted to you, understand it's probably going to cost you," McKenna said in a news release. "That text that appears to come from a reputable retailer is usually a trick to take your money, install a virus, or both."

Phone owners should only download apps from reputable vendors, and never from a text message link, the AG's office said. Oh, and don't fall for texts saying you've won something.

Finally, keep an eye on your bill for unfamiliar texts or charges. On a related note, here's our recent story about FCC smartphone security recommendations.