FBI Warning: Delete These Dangerous Smishing Texts Immediately
Hey everyone, listen up because this is important. The FBI has just issued a major warning about a new wave of dangerous text scams targeting smartphone users across the country. If you get a suspicious text about unpaid tolls, package deliveries, or any urgent financial issue—do not click on anything! Just delete it immediately.
Cybercriminals are getting more aggressive with their smishing attacks—text-based phishing scams designed to trick you into giving away personal and financial information. According to the latest reports, scammers have registered over 10,000 fake domains to support their fraudulent operations. These messages typically claim you have an overdue toll charge or a missed delivery and provide a link to settle the payment. But here’s the catch: the link directs you to a fake website designed to steal your credit card details, personal data, or even your identity.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and cybersecurity experts have confirmed that these scams are spreading rapidly across multiple states, targeting major cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando. If you're in any of these locations, be extra cautious. The scammers behind this scheme have even refined their tactics by using official-looking URLs with familiar terms like 'DHL,' 'FedEx,' or 'E-ZPass' to appear legitimate. But don’t be fooled—real toll agencies and delivery services will never send you random texts with payment links.
One key red flag? Many of these scam links end in ‘.xin’—a domain commonly linked to foreign cybercriminal groups. Also, some texts show formatting errors, like putting the dollar sign after the amount instead of before, revealing that they originate from outside the U.S. These small details can help you identify fraudulent messages before falling victim.
Even state officials have been targeted by this scam. Louisiana’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill, publicly warned citizens after receiving one of these fraudulent messages herself. She emphasized that if you ever get an unexpected text asking for money, do not click the link. Instead, verify directly with the service provider by visiting their official website or calling their customer support line.
If you receive a suspicious text, here’s what you should do:
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Do not click on any links or respond to the message.
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Report the text as spam using your phone’s ‘report junk’ option or forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
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Check your accounts by logging in through the official website—not through any link sent via text.
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Secure your personal and financial information if you’ve already clicked the link.
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Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
These scams are evolving quickly, and cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims. That’s why staying informed and cautious is more critical than ever. Share this information with your family and friends so they don’t fall for these tricks. Stay alert, stay safe, and always double-check before clicking anything suspicious on your phone.
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