CLANTON, AL (WIAT-TV) -  Things are tough all over.  And now, some of the most desparate and vulnerable among us are falling victim to brand new scams.

Smaller towns and cities seem to be the most likely victims.  Investigators in Clanton say that's because smaller law enforcement agencies don't have the money or the manpower to track down suspects, that in many cases, are not only out of state but out of the country.

One of the newest scams out there takes aim at cell phones.  Clanton Police Chief Brian Stillwell says they've had a couple of complaints about scam cell phone text messages.  He says victims recieve a text telling them they won a gift card.  But when they call the number listed in the text, that person demands personal and financial information before they'll award the prize.  Luckily, Stillwell says no one has come forward about being taken by this new scam.