FBI Warns Against Smishing Scams Targeting Road Toll Payments
FBI advises Americans to ignore scam texts impersonating toll collection agencies after over 2000 complaints reported this month.
Overview
The FBI has issued a warning to the public about smishing scams impersonating road toll collection agencies. Over 2,000 complaints have been reported this month regarding fraudulent texts that trick users into revealing financial information. The texts, which falsely claim unpaid tolls, are spreading across multiple states and have been linked to over 10,000 scam domains. Victims are urged to file complaints with the FBI and delete these messages to protect their sensitive data.
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Analysis
- The FBI has issued a warning against smishing scams that impersonate road toll collection agencies, urging the public to delete such texts without engagement.
- These scams have registered over 10,000 domains targeting users across multiple states, showcasing the widespread nature of the threat.
- The FBI advises victims to report these scams to their Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help combat the issue.
Articles (3)
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Boston Herald·4M·FAQ
Smishing is a type of social engineering attack using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals. In the context of road toll scams, smishing involves sending texts claiming there are unpaid tolls, urging recipients to click on links to settle the supposed debt.
Over 2,000 complaints have been reported to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) since early March 2024.
Individuals should delete the scam texts, file a complaint with the IC3, check their account using the legitimate toll service website, and contact the toll service's customer service. If they clicked on any links or provided personal information, they should secure their personal and financial accounts immediately.
These scams are not limited to specific states; they have been reported across multiple states, with the scam potentially moving from state to state.
History
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