THE FBI is warning Americans to stay vigilant when opening texts on their phone as scammers continue to send out deceptive messages.
The fraudulent messages were found to be sent out by Chinese criminal gangs that gathered phone numbers from multiple countries and providers.
The FBI is warning about a new phishing scam[/caption]
The FBI is warning over 150 million Apple and Samsung users to delete these messages immediately from their iPhones or they risk having their information stolen.
“Since April 2025, malicious actors have impersonated senior US officials to target individuals, many of whom are current or former senior US federal or state government officials and their contacts,” the FBI wrote in its statement.
“If you receive a message claiming to be from a senior US official, do not assume it is authentic.”
Other text messages may appear to be coming from the DMV or another agency, stating that you have outstanding tolls to pay.
A link will be included in the message, allowing you to enter sensitive credit card and financial information.
Once users click on the link, the hackers will gain access to their financial information.
In June, the volume of the malicious DMV texts increased by 800%, according to Forbes.
The messages may also appear to be coming from banks such as Bank of America or Capital One.
These messages are a part of a phishing scam known as “smishing.”
“Smishing aims to trick you into handing over sensitive data and information — only instead of using email, cyber criminals send their messages via text or short message service,” Bank of America wrote.
The DMV messages are affecting residents of all states, with multiple agencies putting out a warning to its residents.
“Residents are urged to delete and report any text message claiming to be from the Alaska DMV asking for payment for outstanding traffic tickets,” Alaska State Troopers posted on X.
“This is a scam.”
One scammer with different numbers and domains can send up to 60,000,000 texts per month or 720,000,000 texts per year.
Florida recently warned its residents that “the FBI [is] reporting a significant increase in these attacks, [which are] now more refined and convincing than in the past.”
The Iowa Department of Transportation issued a warning to its residents about the scammers’ “old tricks.”
What is phishing?
Here’s what you need to know…
- Phishing is a type of online fraud
- It’s typically an attempt to nab some of your data
- Phishing generally involves scammers posing as a trustworthy entity
- For instance, fraudsters could send you an email claiming to be your bank, asking for details
- Scammers can also set up fake websites that look like real ones, simply to hoodwink you
- Phishing can take place over email, social media, texts, phone calls and more
- The best defence against phishing is to be generally sceptical of weblinks and emails, especially if they were unsolicited
“As expected, the scammers are up to their old tricks again. And finding new people to target each time,” the Iowa DOT posted on X.
“If you get a DMV ticket payment text, it’s a scam.
“Even if you have a recent ticket, Iowa DOT will never contact you by text for fee collection or ask you for financial info.”
The FBI is urging Americans to never share any personal information via text message and to always double check who the messages are coming from.
