The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is once again alerting iPhone and Android users across the United States about a new, growing scam that could soon be affecting their area. According to a recent report from Forbes, this scam, which has been moving state-to-state, involves fraudulent text messages that trick victims into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. The FBI’s warning emphasizes the importance of vigilance and action when it comes to identifying and avoiding these malicious texts.

The Toll Scam: How It Works

The scam’s approach is deceptively simple but highly effective. Victims receive a text message from what appears to be a legitimate toll agency, claiming that they owe money for unpaid tolls. The message urges them to pay the fine immediately by clicking on a provided payment link.

Credits:WBOY

Once the victim clicks on the link, they are directed to a fake webpage that mimics the look and feel of a real toll service’s payment page. On this page, the victim is asked to input sensitive financial information, such as their bank account or credit card details, which are then captured by the scammers.

FTC’s Warning: Don’t Be Fooled

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also issued an important warning about these scam texts. They stated that if you receive a message from a toll agency asking for immediate payment, “it is probably a scam.” The FTC pointed out that the consequences of falling for such scams go beyond losing money. Scammers are often after more than just payment card details—they aim to steal personal information such as driver’s license numbers, which could be used to commit identity theft.

Credits: Forbes

The risks of clicking on these links extend far beyond financial loss. Hackers can use this stolen data to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even launder money through shell companies. As the FBI and FTC both emphasize, it’s crucial to be cautious and always verify any unexpected message or payment request.

Steps to Avoid Falling Victim

The FBI recommends a few practical steps for avoiding the toll scam and others like it:

Verify via Official Channels: If you receive a text about unpaid tolls, do not click on any links. Instead, go directly to the toll service’s official website or contact their customer service using the phone number provided on their official site. This ensures you’re using a legitimate service.
Delete Suspicious Texts: Once you’ve verified that the message is a scam, it’s essential to delete the text from your phone. Links in scam texts may lead to dangerous sites that could compromise your personal data.
Protect Your Personal Information: In addition to checking official sites, be cautious about sharing any personal details online. Always ensure that your phone’s operating system is up to date, as timely security patches can help defend against malware and phishing attacks.

Chinese Cybercriminals: The Likely Culprits

The FBI suspects that Chinese cybercriminal groups, who are known for developing “commercial phishing kits,” are behind these scams. These kits, which include templates for impersonating toll operators in multiple states, are constantly updated by these hackers to stay ahead of detection.

This isn’t the first time Chinese cybercriminals have targeted US residents using sophisticated scams. In December, a group known as “Salt Typhoon” infiltrated several major US telecommunications companies, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, to spy on their customers. This highlights the ongoing and growing threat posed by foreign cybercriminals using increasingly complex tactics.

Enhanced Security Measures: What You Can Do

To safeguard yourself from these types of scams, the FBI recommends using cell phones that receive timely operating system updates and that are equipped with strong encryption and phishing-resistant two-factor authentication. These measures make it significantly harder for scammers to gain unauthorized access to your personal information.

In conclusion, as the toll scam and similar schemes spread, it’s vital for individuals to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. By staying alert to suspicious texts and using secure communication practices, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this growing wave of cybercrime.