Users Advised to Erase Messages on iPhone and Android Devices Due to Security Concerns
Heads Up, Smartphone Users! Beware of the Latest Phone Text Scam
Scammers are up to their old tricks again, and this time, they're targeting iPhone and Android users in various cities and states with a 700% surge in malicious texts, according to recent alerts from police forces across the country. This prevalent threat is now confirmed by the FBI, who have cautioned about the danger it poses to smartphone users. The origin of this threat? China!
You might have heard earlier this week about the infamous unpaid toll texts that have plagued American smartphone users for over a year. Well, they've seen a significant decline recently, only to be replaced by more threatening DMV texts. That's the warning from Guardio, whose researchers have been monitoring these attacks for months.
Be prepared! Guardio's team spotted a 773% surge in DMV scam texts during the first week of June, and there's no sign of it slowing down. These texts lead to phishing websites designed to steal people's credit card information and make unauthorized charges.
The FBI is now investigating the DMV scam, and according to FBI Tennessee's Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer, the unpaid toll cybercriminals have "pivoted to the DMV scam." Confirming the gangs operate from overseas, Palmer warns that these texts can "put malware on your phone, which then can go in and steal information from your device, or collect your payment information."
Don't be fooled by links that seem legitimate! Scammers generate a new domain for almost every DMV text. The format is usually the name of a state followed by a generic domain. Sometimes they include ".gov" as part of the URL to make the website appear legitimate. Millions of these texts are expected to be sent out in the coming weeks and months, so stay alert!
Researchers from Resecurity warn that "just one threat actor can send up to 2,000,000 smishing messages daily." That translates to targeting up to 60,000,000 victims per month or 720,000,000 per year, enough to target every person in the U.S. at least twice every year.
The Chinese cybercriminal syndicates involved in smishing are audacious because they feel untouchable. They have emphasized that they don't care about U.S. law enforcement agencies. Residing in China, they enjoy complete freedom of action and engage in many illegal activities.
So, what's the best course of action? The FBI's advice is straightforward - delete any smishing texts received immediately. You don't want the dangerous links left on your phone, even though many are only active for a few hours before they're detected and blocked.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, follow the advice from authorities and experts. If you don't know who the text is from, don't click the link.Verify the source by contacting your local DMV directly through official channels.Ignore unsolicited payment requests, as the DMV does not request immediate payment via text message for outstanding tickets or violations. Report suspicious texts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or relevant state authorities.Lastly, ensure your smartphone’s operating system and security apps are up to date to help block or filter scam messages. Stay safe and beware of the latest phone text scam!
The FBI has warned smartphone users to delete any suspicious fraudulent DMV and toll texts they receive, as these messages can contain harmful links and are part of a recent surge in smishing attacks that aim to steal personal information. These attacks, which are currently being investigated by the FBI, are originating from cybercriminal syndicates based in China that operate with impunity. To avoid falling victim to these scams, technology users are advised to verify the source of unknown texts by contacting their local Department of Motor Vehicles directly, ignore unsolicited payment requests, and keep their phone's operating system and security apps updated. Stay vigilant against the latest phone text scams.
