Since early March 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received over 2,000 complaints regarding a smishing scam targeting road toll collection services in at least three states. IC3 complaint information suggests the scam may be spreading from state to state.

The fraudulent texts appear as follows:

These texts claim recipients owe money for unpaid tolls and use nearly identical language across reports. The “outstanding toll amount” remains consistent among complaints filed with the IC3. However, the provided link is designed to mimic the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers vary between states.

Recommended Actions:

If you receive one of these texts, the FBI advises the following steps:

1. File a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to include:

• The phone number from which the text originated
• The website listed in the text

1. Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
2. Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number for verification.
3. Delete any smishing texts received to avoid accidental interaction.
4. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take steps to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges immediately.

What is Smishing?

Smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick recipients into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals. The term “smishing” combines “SMS”—or “short message service”—with “phishing.” Phishing generally refers to internet, email, or website-based attacks.

Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the IC3 to help combat this widespread scam. For more information, visit www.ic3.gov.