Urgent Warning: Delete Scam Texts Targeting iPhone and Android Users

The FBI has issued a critical warning to iPhone and Android users about a dangerous scam spreading across the United States. This scam involves text messages falsely claiming that recipients owe money for unpaid road tolls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also released guidance, emphasizing the need to delete any such texts immediately to prevent identity theft and financial loss.

The FBI and FTC urge users to avoid clicking on any links

How the Scam Works

Victims receive a text message that appears to be from a legitimate toll agency, demanding payment for unpaid tolls. The message includes a link directing the recipient to a payment page where they are prompted to enter sensitive information, such as bank account details and driver's license numbers. The scam’s simplicity and urgency can easily trap unsuspecting individuals into providing personal data, leading to identity theft.

Nationwide Threat

This phishing scam, known as "smishing," has been reported in multiple states, including Massachusetts, California, Florida, and more. The FBI began receiving reports in March 2024, with thousands of citizens affected. The texts are crafted to mimic state toll service names, and phone numbers appear to change between states, adding a layer of credibility to the deception.

Advice from Authorities

The FBI and FTC urge users to avoid clicking on any links in unsolicited texts and to verify any toll claims directly with official toll service websites or customer service numbers. After verification, recipients should delete the texts to remove any malicious links from their devices.

The FTC recommends using the "Report junk" feature on smartphones or forwarding these messages to 7726 (SPAM) to help combat the spread of this scam. If you have already interacted with a scam text, securing personal information and disputing unfamiliar charges with financial institutions is crucial.

Broader Implications

This scam is part of a broader trend of phishing attacks targeting individuals across various sectors, including shipping, tax, and immigration services. These attacks often employ sophisticated phishing kits, believed to originate from Chinese cybercriminal groups, designed to impersonate official websites convincingly.

The ultimate aim of these scams is to steal payment card details, add them to mobile wallets, and conduct fraudulent transactions or launder money through shell companies. Authorities advise vigilance and caution, as the selection criteria for targets appear random, with some recipients having no direct connection to toll road usage.

Personal Impression

The ongoing toll scam emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness among individuals. As phishing attacks become more sophisticated, users must remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages, regardless of their apparent legitimacy. Government agencies like the FBI and FTC play a crucial role in alerting the public to these threats, but personal diligence remains the best defense against falling victim to such scams. By adhering to the recommended precautions, users can protect themselves from identity theft and financial loss.