The FBI alerted smartphone users nationwide to delete fake text messages pretending to be from toll road services, delivery companies, or government agencies, the Austin American-Statesman reported. FBI officials say the threat has been moving from state to state.
The Texas Department of Transportation is aware of scams targeting toll customers. People should beware of scam text messages that demand they pay a toll bill through a link. These messages could compromise their personal information. The smishing texts claim to be a message from TxTag about a balance being due or past due, according to the department's February news release.
News outlets reported that these scams exploited more than 10,000 people via SMS. But what is smishing, and how can you protect yourself from it?
What is the difference between phishing and smishing?
Phishing scams lure victims into taking the "bait" by sending a fake email pretending to be an official website asking to update or verify personal information, according to the FBI's website.
Smishing is a variation of phishing in which scammers use text messages to steal personal information.
What is an example of smishing?
A smishing scam text message will look like it came from an official company or business, for example, EZ tag, that will try to get the victim to click a fake hyperlink or call a fake phone number.
They can also persuade a person to download malware to their personal devices.
What happens if you click on a smishing text?
The hyperlink in the text message will take the victim to a spoofed website that looks identical to an official one and ask them to enter sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers and bank pin numbers.
Then the scammers can go into personal accounts, manipulate the information, and sell or use more sensitive details in other scams.
How do I stop smishing text messages?
To prevent getting scammed by a phony text message, the Federal Communications Commission recommends never clicking links, replying to text messages or calling numbers from suspicious sources. Recipients should delete any suspicious text messages.
Those with smartphones must ensure the device and security apps are updated to its latest version. Installing anti-malware software on the device can provide additional security.
A major way to protect sensitive information is to have two-factor authentication turned on so there are extra steps to log into personal accounts.
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