The FBI has issued a warning to one billion iPhone users urging them to delete a particular text immediately.
If you’ve been the recipient of one of these messages, you might want to hit the delete button ASAP.
This comes as the FBI has begun to warn individuals about scam texts claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
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A new wave of cyberattacks claiming to be the DMV have surged by over 700% in the last month alone and it seems like Android and iPhone users are being targeted.
The FBI said: “The ‘outstanding toll amount’ is a common theme in complaints made to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).”
While the scam message might vary depending on your location, it will usually use threatening language and might appear to have a legitimate URL in order to lure victims in.
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Now, officials have warned that the scam is spreading and reports have been made in several states including Georgia, Florida, California, New York, Texas, and more.
In the text, the scammer threatens to have the vehicle registration of the user suspended if they don’t immediately pay up fake fines.
A link is included with the text which directs victims to pay the scammer money.
In an effort to combat these phishing scams, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) sent out an alert on social media where it urged people to be vigilant.
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In a post on Facebook, the commission wrote: “The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has received multiple reports of a recent phishing scam impersonating the DMV for Enforcement Penalties. Fraudulent text messages claim residents owe traffic fines and threaten suspension of driving privileges, increased toll charges, and damage to credit scores if payment isn't made.
“These messages are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
“The NJMVC never initiates unsolicited emails or texts requesting motor vehicle services, driver’s license updates, or vehicle registration status. All NJMVC text message communications are limited to appointment reminders only.
“Be vigilant when receiving unexpected communications, especially those asking you to click links or share personal details. For any questions or concerns about communications from the NJMVC, please contact us directly.”
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What should you do if you receive a scam text message?
If you receive a message that you believe is a scam claiming to be from the DMV or another state agency, the Federal Trade Commission advises that you report the text on their website or you can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
You should also not reply to the text or click on any links that it has sent you.
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If you’re worried that the message might be real then you should contact the DMV directly using a trusted device instead of replying to the text.
You can also report the message as junk or spam on your messaging app, usually by swiping left on the message.