FBI warns of toll road smishing scam

HOUSTON (ValleyCentral) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning citizens about a scam that has been affecting those using toll roads.

Since early March its Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 2,000 complaints reporting smishing texts that are pretending to represent road toll collection services from at least three states, according to an FBI Public Service Announcement.

Smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center indicated that the scam may be moving from state to state.

The texts are claiming the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language.

The amount the recipient owes is similar to complaints that have been reported to the IC3.

The link provided within the text has been created to impersonate that state's toll road service name. Phone numbers appear to change between states, the announcement stated.

If you receive a text and believe you are being scammed, the FBI suggests:

• Filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center and include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed in the text.
• Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
• Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
• Delete any smishing texts received.
• If a link was clicked on or information was provided, make efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts.