Delete Suspicious Texts Now: FBI Issues Urgent Warning

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  Protecting Yourself from Smishing Texts

  FBI and FTC Advice

  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued critical warnings to iPhone and Android users about a surge in smishing (SMS phishing) attacks. These malicious text messages are designed to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. The FBI and FTC have outlined specific steps to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

  Deleting Suspicious Texts

  The FBI strongly advises users to delete any suspicious text messages immediately. Smishing texts often appear urgent or threatening, claiming unpaid bills, penalties, or other false narratives to provoke immediate action. For example, a common scam involves messages about unpaid toll bills, urging recipients to click on a link or reply quickly to avoid late fees. The FBI emphasizes that deleting these messages is the first line of defense against such threats.

  Verifying Claims Through Official Websites

  Both the FBI and FTC recommend verifying the legitimacy of any claims made in a text message by visiting the official website of the service or organization mentioned. For instance, if you receive a message about an unpaid toll bill, visit the official toll service website directly rather than clicking on links provided in the message. This ensures that you are accessing legitimate information and not falling prey to fraudulent domains.

  Reporting Unwanted Texts

  Reporting unwanted or suspicious texts is crucial in helping authorities combat smishing campaigns. The FTC suggests forwarding such messages to 7726 (SPAM) to report them. Additionally, filing a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov provides valuable information to investigators. When reporting, include details such as the phone number from which the text originated and any websites listed in the message.

  Practical Steps to Take

  While the FBI and FTC provide guidance, taking proactive steps to secure your personal and financial information is essential. Below are practical measures to protect yourself from smishing attacks:

  Checking Your Account with the Toll Service Through Its Official Website

  If you receive a text message about an unpaid toll bill or any other financial matter, do not click on links in the message. Instead, manually visit the official website of the toll service or relevant organization. For example, NC Quick Pass, a toll service in North Carolina, has warned users that it only sends texts from a secure short code (696277) and that all links will include ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com. Verifying through official channels ensures that you are not directed to fraudulent websites.

  Contacting Customer Support Directly

  Another effective step is to contact the customer support of the service mentioned in the text message. Use the contact information provided on the official website, not any phone numbers or links from the suspicious message. For example, if you receive a text claiming to be from FedEx or DHL, visit the official FedEx or DHL website to find the correct customer support number. This ensures that you are speaking with legitimate representatives who can verify the status of your account or any claims made in the message.

  Disputing Unfamiliar Charges

  If you suspect that you have been a victim of a smishing scam, it is important to act quickly to protect your financial information. Review your bank and credit card statements for any unfamiliar charges. If you find any, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charges. The FTC also recommends taking steps to secure your personal and financial accounts, such as changing passwords and monitoring your credit reports for signs of identity theft.

  The Impact: Widespread Scam and Growing Concern

  Cities Affected by the Scam

  The smishing scam has spread rapidly across the United States, with numerous cities issuing warnings to their residents. According to reports from Bleeping Computer and McAfee, major cities such as Boston, Denver, Houston, and San Francisco have been particularly targeted. McAfee has identified Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando as the most targeted cities, indicating a widespread and coordinated effort by cybercriminals.

  Boston, Denver, Houston, and San Francisco Among Cities Issuing Warnings

  Local authorities in these cities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious text messages. For example, in Boston, officials have warned residents about texts claiming to be from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), which is responsible for toll roads in the state. Similarly, in Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued alerts about fraudulent toll payment messages. These warnings highlight the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any text message before taking action.

  McAfee Identifying Most Targeted Cities

  McAfee’s analysis has revealed that Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando are among the cities most heavily targeted by smishing campaigns. This information is crucial for residents in these areas, as it underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect personal and financial information. Cybercriminals often tailor their messages to appear local and legitimate, making it easier to deceive recipients.

  Analysis of the Scam

  The smishing scam has evolved to include new tricks and tactics, making it increasingly difficult for users to identify and avoid. Authorities across multiple states have issued similar warnings, highlighting the growing concern over the spread of this threat.

  Evolution of the Scam to Include New Tricks

  Cybercriminals have continuously updated their tactics to evade detection and deceive victims. One such evolution involves repeatedly rejecting a victim’s payment attempts to collect multiple card numbers. For example, a victim may attempt to pay a fraudulent toll bill, only to be told that their payment was unsuccessful. This tactic not only steals the victim’s financial information but also collects additional card details in case the first one is disputed or blocked.

  Authorities Issuing Similar Warnings Across Multiple States

  Authorities in states such as Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio have issued warnings about the smishing scam. For example, in North Carolina, a text message received on March 11, 2025, claimed to be from “The Toll Roads Notice of Toll Evasion,” urging the recipient to pay an unpaid toll bill within 12 hours to avoid late fees. The message included instructions to reply “Y” or copy a link into a browser, a common tactic used by scammers to bypass security measures like iMessage filters. NC Quick Pass has since informed customers that it does not request payment via text message and that all legitimate links will include ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com.

  Conclusion

  In conclusion, the recent warning from the FBI to iPhone and Android phone users to delete certain text messages right away has sent shockwaves across the globe. The agency has identified a specific set of messages that, if left untouched, could compromise the security and privacy of millions of individuals. The article has shed light on the alarming truth that these messages, if not deleted, could be used to track users’ locations, access their contacts, and even steal their sensitive information.

  The significance of this warning cannot be overstated. It highlights the vulnerability of our digital lives and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect ourselves from cyber threats. The FBI’s warning serves as a stark reminder that our personal data is constantly at risk, and it is up to us to take control of our online security. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that we stay vigilant and adapt to the ever-changing threats.

  As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize digital hygiene and take immediate action to delete the identified text messages. We must also demand more transparency from technology companies and governments to ensure that our personal data is protected. The future of our digital lives depends on it. As the article so aptly puts it, “the power to protect our digital lives is in our hands – we must take action, and we must take it now.”