FBI Warns Of Text Message-Based ‘Smishing’ Scam After Tens Of Thousands Of Complaints

Scammers are always looking for new ways to snag cash or personal information from their victims.

In recent years, a new strategy known as “smishing” — a combination of SMS text messages and phishing scams — has become particularly profitable.

And now, the FBI is joining state and local authorities nationwide in issuing an advisory about one notorious scam in particular.

According to The Hill:

Drivers should be on the lookout for scam text messages warning of an unpaid road toll bill, according to recent warnings from authorities.

The text messages name the local toll service, such as FasTrak in California, and have a link that takes the victim to a convincingly-duped version of the collection operator’s website.

“The texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language,” according to the FBI. “The ‘outstanding toll amount’ is similar among the complaints reported to the IC3 (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center). However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.”

The FBI told Nexstar that it received more than 60,000 complaints in 2024 from people reporting suspicious messages about unpaid tolls.

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The text-based style of the scam has been labeled “smishing,” which combines “SMS” or “short message service” with “phishing,” which usually refers to attacks made via email or websites.

“Smishing scams are successful because people tend to trust text messages more than emails, often responding quickly to them without fully considering the content, especially when the message appears to be from a trusted source like a bank or delivery company, making it easy for attackers to trick users into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information,” according to the FBI.

News of the widespread scam has been circulating widely on social media:

The toll road #phishing campaign continues. It uses a local looking subdomain in a .xin domain and a UK phone number. pic.twitter.com/e2ueG3MB0u

— Scott King (@thescottking) February 23, 2025

Got three mails stating I had unpaid tolls that must be taken care of in 12 hours. Obvious scam because they were from personal email addresses. Be careful all over the country. At least it didn’t say I would lose my jobs if I didn’t pay.

— Woody Paige (@woodypaige) February 23, 2025

Oh yeah, I've been reporting on this one for a while. It's really picked back up in the last couple weeks. It's a scam! https://t.co/Zl6GceUP76 https://t.co/3Rz0Ejazwg

— Zach Myers (@ZachMyersNews) February 23, 2025

USA Today also shared some tips for anyone who might be concerned about this or any other smishing scam:

If you receive a toll agency text message demanding money, the FBI and FTC suggest to do the following:

• Do not click the link in the text and instead visit the legitimate toll service website directly to check your account balance. You can also contact the toll service’s legitimate customer service phone number.

• Delete any smishing texts and use your phone’s “report junk” feature before doing so.

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• If you did click the link or provide any information, the FBI recommends making efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. This includes tracking and disputing any unfamiliar charges.

• File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center including the phone number where the text originated and the website listed in the text.

Here’s some additional coverage of the scam: