HOUSTON — The FBI is warning citizens about a scam that has been making its way across the country for the last month or so.
They said there has been an increase in "smishing texts" lately. Federal investigators said the texts appear to represent toll road collection services for multiple states, including Texas.
Since early March, the FBI said it has received more than 2,000 complaints of smishing texts that appear to represent toll collection services from at least three states.
"The texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language. The 'outstanding toll amount' is similar among the complaints reported to the IC3. However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state's toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states," the FBI said in a release.
Here's what you should do if you get a text that you believe is an attempt to scam you:
- File a complaint with the IC3. Include the phone number from where the text came and the website listed within 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.
- If you click on a link, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts.
- Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
What is smishing?
According to the FBI, 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.
"Smishing" combines "SMS" and "phishing." SMS stands for short message service and phishing generally refers to attacks on the internet, email or websites.