What are ‘smishing’ texts that FBI is warning phone users against?
Posted on: Mar 12, 2025 23:06 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
The union soldier Bureau of investigating (FBI) sent a nationwide qui vive in the United States on midweek, warning smartphone users against “smishing texts,” a young sophisticated scam that aims to steal their personal and financial information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also cautioned against these scams, stating, “Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your info and even steal your identity.”
Over 10,000 domains have been reportedly registered by cybercriminals to implement this scam, through which links are sent which warn users against an overdue payment or entice them with exciting offers, reported the New York Post.
Targets are sent a text message demanding an urgent payment for an allegedly unpaid bill. The message also warns them against penalties if they do not make an urgent payment through a text message containing a link.
A smishing text reported by The Fayetteville Observer reads as follows-
"The Toll Roads Notice of Toll Evasion: You have an unpaid toll bill on your account. To avoid late fees, pay within 12 hours or the late fees will be increased and reported to the DMV.
https://ncquickpass.scgsuihp.vip/pay
(Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it)
The Toll Roads team wishes you a great day!"
The iMessage on Apple's iOS can filter links that are suspected to be from scammers. Thus the text encourages users to copy the URL and paste them manually in a browser to make the payment.
Once a user enters the link, either through the text message or manually through a browser, the FTC said that scammers steal their financial details like credit card, debit card and bank account credentials.
The FBI has urged users to delete smishing texts immediately. Users receiving such messages were also requested to file a complaint with the IC3 online at www.ic3.gov.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.