Why is FBI warning iPhone and Android users to delete texts? Here’s all we know 

Users of iPhones and Android devices nationwide have received an important warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), advising them to delete certain text messages immediately. These fraudulent messages lead drivers to fake websites, intended to steal financial and personal information by claiming they owe money for unpaid road tolls, according to a Forbes report.

The ongoing phishing scam has been quickly expanding in several states. The government cautions that hackers are tricking people into divulging critical personal information, including driver's license numbers and credit card details, through misleading text messages. According to the fake SMS, the recipient has unpaid road tolls and has to pay the remaining amount right away.

These messages contain a malicious link that takes the user to a fake payment gateway that looks a lot like the official websites of state toll services. By clicking on the link and inadvertently entering their credentials, unsuspecting people give hackers access to their bank data, which they can use for identity theft, illegal transactions and other financial frauds.

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FBI warns of widespread toll payment scam defrauding thousands

Authorities have discovered a recurring trend in the scam, where victims are warned about past-due payments via text messages posing as local toll-collecting organizations. These messages push users to click on a link to fix the problem right away by using urgent language, but the URL takes the users to fake websites that imitate legitimate government toll gates.

With state logos, official-looking interfaces, and payment processing sections that resemble actual toll service websites, these fake websites look incredibly realistic. Scammers obtain complete access to victims' financial credentials once they input personal information, including name, address, driver's license number, and banking details.

According to cybersecurity experts, phishing assaults have gotten more complex, making it harder for the typical user to tell the difference between authentic and fraudulent communications. The FBI has responded by warning people to be extremely cautious and not respond to unsolicited financial messages.

Reports of phishing scams have increased dramatically since March 2024, according to the FBI. Forbes has reported that thousands of cases have appeared in several states, including Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, and Florida.

After providing financial information on fake websites, victims reported seeing authorized transactions on their bank statements. Scammers have occasionally applied for loans, fraudulently made online transactions, and even committed identity theft using stolen data.

To find the people responsible for these attacks, law enforcement agencies are increasingly collaborating with financial institutions and cybersecurity companies. Authorities stress that public awareness and alertness are essential to combating financial fraud, notwithstanding the decentralised nature of cybercrime.