The FBI is warning Americans not to respond to scam road toll collection texts after receiving more than 2,000 complaints this month.
In January, the texts impersonating state road toll collection agencies attempt to get phone users to reveal financial information, such as credit or debit cards or bank accounts.
They're so-called smishing scams — a form of phishing that relies on SMS texts to trick people into sending money or share sensitive information.
The FBI says the texts are moving from state to state and use nearly identical language falsely claiming that recipients have an unpaid or outstanding toll that could result in fines or suspended driving privileges.
Cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks said last week that a threat actor has registered more than 10,000 domains for the scams. The scams are impersonating toll services and package delivery services in at least 10 U.S. states including Maryland.
While Apple bans links in iPhone messages received from unknown senders, the scam attempts to bypass that protection by inviting users to reply with "Y" and reopen the text.
Legit ways to pay your tolls
The Maryland Transportation Authority, which manages toll roads and facilities in the state, said DriveEzMD will never request payment via text message.
The agency reminds the public that the only authorized methods to pay Maryland tolls or maintain E-ZPass accounts include:
I got the text message, what should I do?
Anyone who receives one of the text messages is suggested to take the following actions.
File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). When filing a complaint, be sure to include the phone number from which the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Also:
• Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
• Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
• Delete any smishing texts received.
What the text messages can look like:
If you tapped any link and/or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.