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FBI Alerts Smartphone Users About Toll Scam Threat.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation advises individuals to remove any suspicious messages associated with toll payment scams.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has alerted iPhone and Android users in the United States about a possible toll payment scam.
As reported by _Forbes_, the FBI cautioned that this scam could spread to new regions, potentially reaching areas it has not yet affected.
The scam operates by sending victims a seemingly harmless text message that claims they owe money for unpaid tolls that must be settled immediately.
Those who click the link in the message are taken to a fake website that asks for sensitive banking information, including credit card or bank account numbers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reinforced the FBI's alerts, noting that such unsolicited messages are likely scams.
Furthermore, the FTC warned that individuals who engage with these messages risk financial loss and identity theft.
The agency stated, "The scammer is not only trying to take your money, but if you follow the link, they could also obtain your personal information (like your driver’s license number) - and potentially steal your identity."
To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of these scams, FBI officials recommend that individuals access the legitimate website of the toll service provider or contact customer service directly instead of responding to unsolicited messages.
Users should delete any suspicious texts to safeguard their privacy from harmful links.
The culprits behind these scams are thought to be linked to Chinese cybercriminal groups that are reportedly creating and enhancing phishing kits designed to imitate genuine toll operators in various states.
This approach is part of a larger trend of impersonation scams used by these groups, which encompass fraudulent communications regarding shipping companies, tax authorities, and immigration services.
Cybercriminals often target individuals who may be vulnerable or newcomers to the country, seeking to obtain payment card details or facilitate fraudulent activities via mobile wallets or shell companies.
The FBI has highlighted past incidents involving these groups, including a December report detailing the breach of major U.S. telecom companies—such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—by a gang known as 'Salt Typhoon', believed to be operating out of China.
For users worried about their security, the FBI has suggested using smartphones that receive regular operating system updates, employing devices with effective encryption management, and securing their accounts with phishing-resistant two-factor authentication techniques.
As reported by _Forbes_, the FBI cautioned that this scam could spread to new regions, potentially reaching areas it has not yet affected.
The scam operates by sending victims a seemingly harmless text message that claims they owe money for unpaid tolls that must be settled immediately.
Those who click the link in the message are taken to a fake website that asks for sensitive banking information, including credit card or bank account numbers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reinforced the FBI's alerts, noting that such unsolicited messages are likely scams.
Furthermore, the FTC warned that individuals who engage with these messages risk financial loss and identity theft.
The agency stated, "The scammer is not only trying to take your money, but if you follow the link, they could also obtain your personal information (like your driver’s license number) - and potentially steal your identity."
To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of these scams, FBI officials recommend that individuals access the legitimate website of the toll service provider or contact customer service directly instead of responding to unsolicited messages.
Users should delete any suspicious texts to safeguard their privacy from harmful links.
The culprits behind these scams are thought to be linked to Chinese cybercriminal groups that are reportedly creating and enhancing phishing kits designed to imitate genuine toll operators in various states.
This approach is part of a larger trend of impersonation scams used by these groups, which encompass fraudulent communications regarding shipping companies, tax authorities, and immigration services.
Cybercriminals often target individuals who may be vulnerable or newcomers to the country, seeking to obtain payment card details or facilitate fraudulent activities via mobile wallets or shell companies.
The FBI has highlighted past incidents involving these groups, including a December report detailing the breach of major U.S. telecom companies—such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—by a gang known as 'Salt Typhoon', believed to be operating out of China.
For users worried about their security, the FBI has suggested using smartphones that receive regular operating system updates, employing devices with effective encryption management, and securing their accounts with phishing-resistant two-factor authentication techniques.
