FBI Warns Smartphone Users to Delete Toll Scam Texts Immediately

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to smartphone users across the United States to delete deceptive text messages that appear to originate from toll road services, delivery companies, and government agencies. This alert follows a significant rise in what are known as smishing scams—phishing attacks conducted via SMS—exploiting over 10,000 newly registered domains to illegally obtain personal and financial information.

Since early March 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received more than 2,000 complaints related to these fraudulent toll payment messages. According to the FBI, the texts typically claim that recipients have outstanding toll fees and provide links that impersonate legitimate toll services. The agency stated, “The texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language. However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.”

One sample message reads: “(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 [fraudulent website link] to settle your balance.” The FBI emphasizes that legitimate toll agencies do not send payment requests via text, a point echoed by Michigan‘s Department of Transportation. A spokesperson stated, “Staff from the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Administration, and Blue Water Bridge do not contact customers via text.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also warns about the wider implications of these scams. “Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info and even steal your identity,” a spokesperson emphasized. Cybersecurity experts recommend that users take immediate action upon receiving such messages: do not click on any links or respond, as even replying can confirm to scammers that the phone number is active, leading to more attacks.

The FBI advises users to verify any claims directly with the toll agency by checking their accounts through official websites or customer service numbers. Victims are urged to report the scam by filing a complaint with the IC3 and including the originating phone number and the website link provided in the message. Reports can also be made to mobile carriers by forwarding suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). The FBI warns that those who followed links or disclosed personal information should secure their financial accounts and track any unfamiliar charges.

With the increase in smishing activity, various cities across the U.S. including Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago, have reported spikes in the number of scams. A recent cybersecurity analysis by McAfee indicated that these scams have especially targeted users in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio. Such widespread activity has prompted state officials, including Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, to advise caution, stating, “If you ever receive a text that looks suspicious, be sure to never click on it. You don’t want your private information stolen by scammers.”

As the FBI continues to monitor the situation, they stress the importance of remaining vigilant against unsolicited texts. They reiterated, “If you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested: file a complaint with the IC3, check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website, contact the toll service’s customer service phone number, and delete any smishing texts received.” For more information on protecting yourself from these types of cyber threats, visit the FBI’s IC3 website at www.ic3.gov.