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Have you recently received a text message claiming that you owe money for unpaid tolls? If so, you are not alone. A new wave of scams targeting E-ZPass holders is sweeping across the nation, and the FBI is sounding the alarm. With malicious SMS, or "smishing," becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial to know how to protect yourself and your financial information.
Scammers are leveraging a tactic known as "smishing," which combines SMS messaging with phishing to create a sense of urgency. These texts often tell recipients that they have an outstanding balance or an unpaid toll that needs immediate attention. Fear and urgency are potent motivators, prompting individuals to act without thinking and click on provided links. However, these links can lead to malicious websites designed solely for stealing personal and financial information.
The FBI warns recipients of these messages to delete them immediately and to avoid clicking any links. The agency emphasizes that legitimate toll payment services, such as E-ZPass, will never send texts requesting payment. If you are concerned about your account, it is best to check via official channels such as the E-ZPass website or customer service hotline.
As part of the scam, cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 domains to fuel their attacks. Many of these domains are identified by telltale signs, such as using obscure top-level domains like .XIN, which may indicate a foreign origin. It's crucial to note that even if a link appears to lead to a familiar domain, you should never trust it if it is sent via SMS.
Here are some critical steps to keep in mind if you encounter suspicious texts:
- Delete any smishing texts immediately.
- Do not click on any links provided in these messages.
- Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website or contact their customer service directly.
- If you suspect you have fallen victim to the scam, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Contact your bank to discuss any unfamiliar charges and change your passwords.
Many cities across the United States are already issuing warnings about this scam, including major urban areas such as Boston, Denver, Houston, and San Francisco. It’s important to stay informed and alert as the reach of these scams continues to expand.
In addition to being aware of the phishing tactics used, be mindful of suspicious messaging patterns. For instance, a common sign that a text is a scam is the unconventional placement of the dollar sign in monetary amounts (e.g., displaying the dollar sign after the amount, rather than before it).
The best defense against these scams is knowledge and caution. By being informed of the signs and tactics that scammers use, you can better protect your personal and financial information. Remember, if you receive a suspicious message, it is always safer to handle your finances through official websites rather than responding to unsolicited texts. Stay vigilant and share this information with others to help prevent them from becoming victims of these crimes.
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