Alert: FBI Warns of New SMS Scam Targeting Road Tolls
The FBI has issued an alert regarding a surge in a fraudulent SMS scam focused on road tolls. Over 2,000 complaints have been received by the FBI, reporting smishing texts that impersonate road toll collection services in multiple states. These scammers claim that individuals owe money for unpaid tolls in an attempt to deceive them. The scam is believed to be spreading from state to state, evolving to target new victims. The FBI has urged the public to be cautious and take necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to this scam.
The Smishing Scam
In a recent alert posted on April 12, the FBI ventured to explain the nature of the scam. Smishing, a term combining “SMS” and “phishing,” is a social engineering attack initiated by exploiting fake SMS messages. Cybercriminals behind smishing texts intend to deceive individuals into opening malicious links, revealing sensitive information, or even sending money to the fraudsters.
How the Scam Works
The scam commonly involves the cybercriminals sending a text similar in content, but they alter the link to mimic the toll service provider of the state in question. The smishing texts inform individuals about an outstanding toll amount that they supposedly need to settle. The FBI has observed that the scam language remains identical despite the altered link, which mimics the official service. Phone numbers affiliated with the fraudulent messages also vary, changing from state to state.
Protecting Yourself Against Toll Road Smishing Texts
If you receive a suspicious text related to toll road services, the FBI recommends taking the following precautions:
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), providing the phone number from which the text originated and the website mentioned in the text.
- Avoid clicking any links in the text and verify your toll account status directly through the legitimate toll service provider’s website. Reach out to the toll service provider’s customer service using the official contact number.
- Delete any texts that seem suspicious or related to the scam.
- If you accidentally clicked a fraudulent link or disclosed any personal or financial data, the FBI advises taking immediate steps to secure your accounts and personal information. Furthermore, disputing any unauthorized charges is crucial.
Please stay vigilant and report any instances of smishing to help curb the spread of this fraudulent scam. By remaining aware and informed, we can all contribute to a safer digital environment.
[Article Publish Date:
