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There is a new set of scam texts floating about, and the FBI have now warned iPhone and Android users to remain vigilant as you could be at risk of handing over your personal data.
Cybersecurity is something you have to remain vigilant about in the digital age, as there are a seemingly endless stream of scams that are on the hunt for your data, money, or worse.
Nefarious extortionists exploit things like your Google Maps data in order to get your money, and can even use otherwise harmless things like QR codes to lure you into dangerous situations.
One of the latest tricks that these scammers are using involves informing people that they have 'unpaid tolls' on their vehicle that need rectified, and the FBI has specifically warned that following these instructions is incredibly dangerous:
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"Have you received a text suggestion you may owe unpaid tolls on your vehicle?" Outlines a recent post on X from the official FBI Seattle account. "There is a good chance it's a fraudster trying to get your personal information."
Have you received a text suggesting you may owe unpaid tolls on your vehicle? There is a good chance it's a fraudster trying to get your personal information. Learn more about this scam here: https://t.co/zYW4AzhdzG pic.twitter.com/iSA7b4NeYN
— FBI Seattle (@FBISeattle) March 19, 2025
The official PSA indicates that the FBI has received over 2,000 complaints related to these texts, which appear to follow a similar format and are targeting individuals in three different states at this point in time.
Expect these scam messages to look something like this:
"(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."
It's indicated that the link included in the text message is designed to impersonate the toll service website, and if you enter your information that'll then be fed directly to the scammers who set the whole thing up.
One thing you can do to double check whether the message is a scam or not is to separately head to the toll service website yourself, without clicking the link in the message, and see if you have an outstanding balance. If you don't, then the message is almost definitely a scam.
Make sure to then report the number and website within the text to the IC3, and if you did happen to enter any personal details the FBI suggestions taking efforts to "secure your personal information and financial accounts" and "dispute any unfamiliar changes" through your bank.
