Subj : FBI issues urgent warning about new SMS toll scam here's how to To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Fri Jun 20 2025 20:15:07 FBI issues urgent warning about new SMS toll scam here's how to spot it and what to do Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:00:00 +0000 Description: The FBI has warned of new SMS toll scam targeting smartphone users in the US here's how to spot it. FULL STORY ======================================================================US text message scam claims that unpaid toll fees are owed Messages include a malicious link to steal payment information FBI warns users to delete and report messages from unknown senders The FBI has warned of a new phishing scam sweeping smartphones in the US. The con is targeting drivers with convincing fake texts which claim to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Its part of a growing trend of SMS toll scams designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and handing over their credit card information. As reported by local Memphis TV station WREG and later picked up by Mens Journal , the FBI has issued a warning to anyone who receives a suspicious SMS. The bureau has urged smartphone users not to click on links from unknown sources and to delete these text messages immediately. Speaking to WREG, FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer described the scam as a copycat of the widespread toll scams which surfaced earlier this year. Those attacks also used fake unpaid toll notices to lure victims into handing over sensitive personal details. What makes these toll scams so dangerous is the ease with which they can be distributed, as well as what they can gather. It costs next to nothing for them tosend these messages and calls out, Palmer told WREG. In return, they cango in and steal information from your device, or collect your payment information. How the scam works and how to spot it (Image credit: Guardio) How to spot a fake text While some scam text messages are surprisingly polished, there are several common signs to watch out for: Generic greetings with no personal details Urgent or threatening language such as your account will be suspended Unusual links or email addresses , often ending in strange domains or unrelated names Obvious mistakes including typos or formatting errors Unknown senders , such as random numbers or clearly fake email handles Most toll scam texts follow a similar format. The message usually claims that you have outstanding toll charges and urges you to follow a link to settle the balance. The link typically leads to a fake payment site designed to steal your information. This will be a convincing replica of a real government website, using similar fonts, colors and logos, all of which appear to be official. Most messages include the threat of late fees or legal action if you dont act quickly. This is intended to create a sense of urgency and panic, triggering an emotional response which may cause the recipient to overlook inconsistencies and act without verifying whether the message is legitimate. Palmer reportedly received one of the fake texts himself and quickly spotted several red flags. A couple of things that I noticed immediatelythe text message I received said it was from the North Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles, he said. Obviously, there is no North or South Tennessee. Inconsistencies like these are a clear hallmark of a message which is trying to dupe you. So are sender details which dont add up. Agent Palmer gave an example: The message I received was from email address @catlover.com, obviously that is not a government address. Other signs to watch out for include spelling and grammatical errors, as well as generic greetings that dont reference your name or license plate. If youre uncertain, dont engage with the message. Instead, contact the relevant agency directly for clarification. Or as Palmer put it: If you dont know who its from, dont click the link. Suspicious messages should be deleted immediately. You can also report them to the FTC and the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center . You might also like... A massive SMS toll fee scam is sweeping the US heres how to stay safe, according to the FBI Text spammers are getting creative and trying to play on your emotional needs don't fall for it Smishing: the new SMS fraud ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/fbi-issues-urgent-warning-a bout-new-sms-toll-scam-heres-how-to-spot-it-and-what-to-do --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .