The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued warnings about a surge in “smishing” scams—phishing attempts conducted via SMS text messages—targeting individuals across various states. These scams often involve fraudulent messages claiming recipients have unpaid tolls, aiming to steal personal and financial information.
How the Scam Operates:
- Unsolicited Messages: Individuals receive unexpected text messages purporting to be from local toll agencies, stating they owe money for unpaid tolls.
- Payment Links: The messages include links to fake websites designed to mimic official toll service sites, prompting users to enter sensitive information such as credit card numbers or personal identification details.
- State-Specific Targeting: Scammers tailor these messages to align with the recipient’s state, enhancing the illusion of legitimacy. For instance, residents in states without toll roads have reported receiving such messages, causing confusion and concern.
Recent Incidents:
- In Connecticut, despite the absence of toll roads, residents have reported receiving smishing texts about unpaid tolls. Authorities have emphasized that these messages are fraudulent and should be ignored.
- The San Francisco Bay Area has seen a resurgence of FasTrak-related scams, with sophisticated messages directing users to counterfeit websites that closely resemble official platforms.
FBI Recommendations to Protect Yourself:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid clicking on links or responding to unsolicited text messages, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
- Verify Authenticity: If you receive a suspicious message regarding tolls or any other service, contact the organization directly using official contact information found on their legitimate website.
- Report Suspicious Activity: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov if you encounter smishing attempts.
- Secure Personal Information: If you have inadvertently provided sensitive information, promptly notify your financial institutions and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from smishing scams and help prevent the unauthorized use of your personal information.