The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to iPhone and Android users in the US about a scam that involves fake text messages claiming to be from toll authorities. The scammers aim to trick victims into providing their bank account or credit card information, potentially leading to identity theft.
According to the FBI, the modus operandi of these scammers is simple: they send an innocuous-looking message stating that the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls, with a link to pay the debt. However, clicking on this link can lead to a page asking for sensitive information, such as bank account details.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also cautioned users about these messages, warning that they are likely scams. The scammers’ goal is not only to steal money but also to obtain personal data, including driver’s license numbers and even identity.
Experts attribute the rise of these toll scams to Chinese cybercriminal groups using “commercial phishing kits” with templates designed to impersonate various authorities. These kits have been used to target individuals new to a country or in vulnerable positions, stealing payment card details and laundering money through shell companies.
This is not the first time Chinese hackers have been involved in such scams. In December, a group of malicious actors known as “Salt Typhoon” infiltrated major US telecommunications companies to spy on customers.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, the FBI recommends that individuals use cell phones with timely operating system updates, devices with responsibly managed encryption, and accounts protected by phishing-resistant two-factor authentication.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/feature/heres-why-fbi-is-warning-android-and-iphone-users-to-delete-texts-immediately-7671331