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The FBI is alerting about a texting scam that has been targeting Americans for months and is now expanding into additional states.

The ongoing scheme has been attempting to deceive individuals into believing they owe money for un-paid highway tolls and must settle these debts quickly to escape hefty late charges.

Government authorities stated that smartphone users should delete these messages immediately And inform the genuine toll service that the scammers are pretending to be associated with them.

As per the FBI’s internet report Crime The Complaint Center (IC3) has already processed more than 2,000 reports regarding this smishing scam.

'Smishing' refers to attacks carried out by cyber criminals through deceptive text messages aimed at persuading individuals to disclose personal data, transfer funds, or install malicious software on their mobile devices.

In spring 2024, IC3 issued a warning that this scam was focusing on smartphone users across at least three states.

A year later, the criminals appear to be targeting most of the US, from New York to Washington state .

This month, FBI agents in Seattle issued a new warning statinglocals should stay alert for additional fraudulent communications regarding outstanding toll fees, increasing debts from motorists, and warnings of severe penalties. .

The alert from Washington state emerges merely weeks following the FTC taking notice of this scheme.

'Fraudsters are posing as toll authorities nationwide and sending messages requesting payment,' wrote FTC officials. a statement in January.

"The suspicious message may display an amount of money claiming that you owe this sum and could contain a link directing you to a webpage where you're asked to input your banking or credit card details—but it’s actually part of a phishing scheme," the agency added.

IC3 posted an example of how these counterfeit text messages appear, mimicking direct communication from the state toll service.

The message states that the recipients have not paid particular unmentioned road fees and offers a website link where they can settle their dues before a late charge is applied.

If anyone clicks on these links, they get ensnared by the scammers because the link directs them to a fake web page. This page then asks for their private information and credit card details, enabling the scammers to pilfer this sensitive data.

Furthermore, the fake link might also install malware on the device, granting hackers access. access to that individual's mobile phone .

Even though there is a risk of being deceived by counterfeit toll collection entities, authorities have observed that this method is far less sophisticated compared to those scams where fraudsters pose as governmental agency representatives.

A lot of the receivers either lack access to a vehicle or do not have any affiliation with the state where the bogus SMS messages are originating from.

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark recently stated Instagram video We don’t have toll roads in Vermont; however, visitors might confuse these scams with legitimate toll collectors in other states.

Louisiana's Attorney General, Liz Murrill, also commented additionally Facebook It's a scam. Should you ever come across a questionable message, make certain not to click on it.

In early February, I received this kind of text from a number that traces back to Atlanta, Georgia claiming I had unpaid E-ZPass bills.

Sadly for the con artist, I've never had an E-ZPass and have never been behind the wheel in Georgia, making it obvious right away that this was a scam attempt.

Moreover, which governmental organization would include three emojis in a text message regarding outstanding fines?

For U.S. drivers who do not utilize an electronic toll-collection system such as E-ZPass, it’s crucial to understand that the authorities will not request payment via text message.

When you go through a tunnel, traverse a bridge, or simply travel on a state highway without seeing a toll booth yet receive a bill later — those notices will come via snail mail.

No matter whether you notice them or not, cameras are positioned somewhere capturing images of your license plates, and subsequently, these fines are mailed to the address associated with the vehicle as recorded by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What steps should you take when such a fraudulent message appears on your mobile phone?

Before deleting the message without responding, IC3 asked people to file a complaint on their website , providing agents with the telephone number and fabricated website address that were forwarded.

Then, locate the official webpage of the tolling service mentioned in the text and verify your account details (assuming you have an account).

Alternatively, you can dial the official telephone number of that agency and request to talk to their customer service regarding the fraudsters who are pretending to be associated with them.

If you inadvertently clicked on any links within the text, promptly take steps to protect your banking accounts and personal information.

You can achieve this by updating your passwords and activating additional security features. two-factor authentication (2FA) - an additional security measure that sends you a verification code via text message prior to allowing access to your email or other personal accounts.

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