March 18, 2025 - A wave of text message phishing scams, known as smishing, is sweeping across the United States, with many victims targeted over unpaid tolls. The FBI is raising alarms about this troubling trend, emphasizing the need for caution among recipients of such deceptive messages.
Recent complaints about smishing have skyrocketed, prompting officials to warn the public about this growing threat. According to the FBI, earlier this month, they received nearly 1,600 complaints related to these scams, with reported losses of $3,643.42. Many believe the actual toll could be much higher.
This alarming situation has sparked the attention of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who expressed her concern, stating, "I’m urging New Yorkers to take caution against senseless scammers sending fake E-ZPass text messages." The messages typically claim the recipient has unpaid tolls and threaten to report them to the DMV if no immediate action is taken. These texts often ask users to reply with "Y" to receive a dangerous link.
The New York State Thruway Authority added, "We will never ask for sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers via text." This clear message aims to dispel confusion and protect state drivers from potentially devastating consequences.
With reports indicating the problem is not isolated to New York, smishing scams appear to be prevalent nationwide. Toll services from Kentucky to Florida have seen similar tactics employed by fraudsters, with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office logging 22 reports of such messages this year alone. Many victims are bombarded with texts demanding payments for missed tolls from companies like RiverLink and E-ZPass.
Scammers have taken to creating deceptive websites and phone numbers, often sourcing phone numbers from international codes. A specific case from Texas noted messages originating from the Philippines, which attempts to simulate familiar U.S. toll services, eliciting fear and urgency among busy users. This unpredictability adds to the complexity of tackling these scams—many individuals have reported receiving messages even if they rarely use toll roads.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has stressed the urgency with which the public should respond to these attacks. "Smishing scams are successful because people tend to trust text messages more than emails," the FBI press office stated, advising recipients not to click any provided links or reply to the messages. All should instead report the messages directly to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by including the scammer's phone number and the associated website.
Additional warnings suggest drivers should reach directly to their state toll agency rather than engage with the suspect messages. Simply deleting these communications is inadequate; proactive steps are necessary to shield one's personal information effectively.
Charles Cyrill, communications director for the Ohio Infrastructure and Turnpike Commission, noted, "Some customers have also reported receiving emails through phishing scams," underscoring the widespread nature of the issue. This escalation marks the survival of these types of scams, which seem to resurface annually and adapt to new technologies.
Experts recommend various strategies to limit exposure to such scams. Individuals are urged to block any number suspected of being involved with these scams. Blocking senders can be effective, though sophisticated scammers frequently change their contact points, making it challenging to circumvent entirely. Law enforcement encourages the community to report any incidents of unsolicited text messages as it helps compile evidence and takes steps to prosecute these criminals.
With consistent education outreach, states like Kentucky's Attorney General's Office are taking steps to provide individuals with informative sessions on recognizing potential scams. These efforts can empower citizens, especially vulnerable populations, with tools to identify fraud attempts and understand their rights as consumers.
Those who do fall victim to these scams are advised to secure their information quickly. Disputing any unauthorized charges and notifying one's financial institutions become immediate priorities. If you've inadvertently clicked on any malicious links, securing your accounts and changing passwords must occur as soon as possible to counteract any rampant threats.
While scams change and evolve, the messages are remarkably consistent: companies will never demand sensitive information through unsolicited means. Melanie McGovern, Director of Public Relations for the Better Business Bureau, reiterated, "It's important to note... will never provide or ask for personal information by email or text," reminding consumers to maintain their vigilance.
Public awareness remains the strongest defense against these phishing scams. Learning and sharing these warnings are the best ways to break the chain of scams targeting consumers across the nation. With cooperation between businesses and individuals, communities might stand to see improved resistance against fraud.
The FBI continues to advocate for individuals to be cautious, highlighting the increased frequency of such incidences. "Be cautious about clicking links in text messages, evn if they appear to be from trusted sources." Maintaining awareness and acting quickly could thwart danger before it escalates.
For those seeking assistance or pursuing fraud claims, several resources are available, including contacting local agencies or the national hotline to report scams. Awareness and action — these are fundamental forces against scams prevalent within the modern technological environment.
Cross-state communication and concerted action can offer hope for reducing the frequency of toll scammers exploiting driver confusion. Keeping technology users informed and demonstrated how to report and respond effectively could diminish the likelihood of becoming the next victim of such scams.
