(FreePressBeacon.com) – As the FBI continues to battle against the increasing threat of smishing scams targeting American citizens, the alarming rise of fraudulent texts masquerading as state toll collection agencies demands attention.
See the tweet below.
Over 2,000 Americans have already reported these government-impersonating schemes designed to steal your personal information and drain your bank accounts.
Since March last year, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has been flooded with reports about deceptive text messages claiming recipients owe money for unpaid tolls. The messages threaten late fees and legal action if payment is not made immediately.
This nationwide scheme is not just a few random scammers. Cybersecurity experts have discovered that over 10,000 newly registered domains have been created specifically for this large-scale operation targeting at least 10 U.S. states and parts of Canada.
This coordinated attack shows just how vulnerable digital infrastructure remains while government agencies focus on policing conservative speech instead of protecting citizens.
The toll scam uses SMS messages (smishing) containing links designed to steal personal and financial information.
These texts use nearly identical language but customize the phone numbers and toll service names to match the state, making them appear legitimate.
The scam even attempts to bypass Apple’s security for iPhone users by asking recipients to reply “Y” to reopen the message.
Meanwhile, state agencies have confirmed they do not operate this way.
Adam Hammons, TxDOT media relations director, stated clearly: “Even if someone has unpaid toll fees, the agency does not send out notices through text about a past due bill notice.”
If customers receive such messages, authorities recommend contacting the toll service directly through their official website or phone number – not through links in texts.
They can report unwanted texts using your phone’s “report junk” option or forward them to 7726 (SPAM).
The FBI is also asking victims to file complaints through their Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Ultimately, this latest scam highlights how criminals are increasingly targeting Americans through their mobile devices, which have become essential for daily life.
SCAM ALERT: Did you receive a message that said you have unpaid tolls?
STOP! It's likely a smishing scam. Don't click the link.
Learn what to do if you receive this text at: https://t.co/ZEyobBArQz pic.twitter.com/PlGa11iGEb
— FBI Baltimore (@FBIBaltimore) February 20, 2025
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