FBI warns of fraudulent toll road scam texts

The FBI has issued a warning about a rise in scam text messages pretending to be from U.S. toll agencies. These messages demand payments for unpaid tolls and aim to steal people's personal and financial information. Experts believe these scams are linked to groups from China. The texts often claim the recipient owes money for toll violations and pressure them to pay immediately. They may threaten fines or legal action if payment is not made right away. Cybersecurity professionals describe these scams as widespread and note that scammers are more interested in stealing credit card numbers than collecting small payments. Fraudsters create thousands of fake websites that mimic real toll agencies and send mass messages to many phone users across different states. The text messages use similar language and include links that seem to lead to state toll services. Many of these scams also use Chinese website endings, which can signal fraudulent activity. To protect themselves, the FBI advises people to be cautious of unexpected messages about toll violations. Legitimate toll agencies usually send official invoices through the mail, not via text. People should avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages, check sender details carefully, and never share personal information via text. If someone thinks they have fallen victim to one of these scams, they should act quickly. This includes disputing any fraudulent charges with their bank and changing passwords if necessary. The FBI warns that these scams are getting more sophisticated, and everyone should be vigilant against potential threats.