Urgent FBI Warning: Delete These Toll Road Text Messages Now!

By medihertz01@gmail.com Feb 8, 20250

Urgent FBI Warning: Delete These Toll Road Text Messages Now!

A nationwide SMS phishing scam is targeting iPhone and Android users, and the FBI is urging everyone to be vigilant. These fraudulent text messages claim you owe money for unpaid highway tolls and attempt to trick you into providing sensitive information or downloading malware1 2. Falling victim to this “smishing” attack can lead to identity theft and financial loss, so it’s crucial to understand how the scam works and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

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How the Toll Road Text Scam Works

Cybercriminals are sending text messages that impersonate state toll service agencies1. These texts typically include the following:

A claim that you have an outstanding toll amount2 5.
A link to a website that appears to be a legitimate toll payment portal1.
A sense of urgency, warning of late fees if you don’t pay immediately2 5.

The links in these text messages lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial data1. These websites may ask for your credit card information, bank account details, driver’s license number, or other sensitive information6.Example of a Scam Text:“(State Toll Service Name): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.”2 4

Who is Being Targeted?

This scam appears to be moving from state to state, with reports coming in from across the U.S., including Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas1 3. The FBI has received over 2,000 complaints since early March, indicating the widespread nature of this threat1 2. Everyone with a cellphone is a potential target, regardless of whether they use toll roads5.

How to Protect Yourself

Delete suspicious text messages immediately: Do not click on any links or provide any personal information1 8.
Verify toll charges through official channels: Check your account directly on the toll service’s legitimate website or contact their customer service phone number1.
Be wary of unsolicited messages: Legitimate toll agencies do not typically request sensitive information via text message5.
Inspect the URL: Make sure the website address is the official one for your state’s toll service. Scammers often use URLs that are similar but slightly different1.
Report the scam: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov 1. Include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Secure your accounts: If you clicked a link or provided information, take immediate steps to secure your personal and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges and monitor your credit reports1.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to this scam:

Contact your bank and credit card companies: Report the incident and request new cards with updated account numbers1.
Change your passwords: Update your passwords for all online accounts, especially those containing financial information.
Monitor your credit report: Look for any signs of identity theft, such as unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus annually.
File a police report: This can help with any potential legal issues related to identity theft.

Staying Informed

The FBI and other organizations are actively working to combat these scams and provide resources to help consumers stay safe. You can stay informed by:

Following the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for alerts and warnings1.
Checking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for consumer alerts7.
Consulting your state’s toll service agency for information on avoiding scams.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to this widespread toll road text scam. Remember, vigilance is key to staying safe online.

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