FBI cautions US Android and iPhone users to delete suspicious toll scam texts

This follows a similar warning by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which raised concerns about fraudulent text messages that falsely claim individuals owe money for tolls

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning for both Android and iPhone users in the United States, urging them to delete any suspicious text messages related to unpaid road tolls. The alert follows a similar warning by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which raised concerns about fraudulent text messages that falsely claim individuals owe money for tolls. The scammers impersonate legitimate toll agencies, demanding payments through deceptive links.

The FBI is advising users not to leave these fraudulent messages on their phones, urging them to delete them immediately. According to the FTC, if you receive a text message claiming you owe toll fees, “it’s probably a scam.” The fraudulent texts attempt to trick recipients into clicking on links that steal personal information, such as driver’s license numbers, which can then be used for identity theft.

The issue has been prevalent across several US states, with Montana receiving a specific warning on February 7 about the scam. The Great Falls notification informed residents that the toll scam was spreading locally, and emphasized that it was not affiliated with the City of Great Falls. Other states, including Florida, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Washington, have also reported similar incidents.

Steps to safeguard against toll scam messages

The FBI advises individuals to verify any toll-related claims by visiting the official website of the toll agency or by contacting customer service directly through official phone numbers. If you’ve clicked a link in one of these scam texts, the FBI urges you to take immediate action to secure your financial accounts and personal information. Users should review account statements for unfamiliar charges and dispute them promptly.

The source of these scams is believed to be cybercriminal groups, likely using commercial phishing kits developed by Chinese hackers. These kits are designed to impersonate toll operators across various states, making it harder for victims to recognize the fraud. These criminals have also been known to impersonate shipping companies, tax agencies, and immigration services, often targeting individuals in vulnerable situations.

Similar scams reported in India

In addition to the United States, similar scams have occurred in India. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) recently exposed a widespread scam involving fake SMS messages from India Post, urging recipients to update their address information to prevent a supposed package from being returned. As with the toll scam, these fraudulent messages were intended to deceive and steal personal data.