A new text message scam is targeting US residents with fake toll notices, urging them to click on malicious links and provide sensitive financial information.
A new scam targeting residents across the United States involves text message s that impersonate toll road operators. These messages warn recipients about unpaid tolls and potential fines, urging them to act quickly. Scammers then direct victims to fake websites designed to steal their financial information, including payment card details and one-time passwords. Security researchers believe Chinese smishing groups are behind this scam, selling SMS-based phishing kits to thousands of scammers.
One such kit, known as 'Lighthouse,' allows scammers to spoof toll road operators in multiple states, making it even more difficult to identify the scam.The scam has been reported in various states, including Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Washington, affecting users of different toll systems like EZDriveMA, SunPass, and the North Texas Toll Authority. The phishing pages are mobile-optimized and designed to appear legitimate, making them more convincing to victims. In recent times, phishing scams have become more sophisticated, utilizing advancements in technology to bypass traditional spam filters. Scammers are now leveraging Apple iMessage and Android's RCS technology for better message delivery, increasing the likelihood of victims interacting with fraudulent messages. Additionally, the phishing sites are operated dynamically in real time, making them harder to detect and shut down. Even individuals who don't own vehicles have reported receiving these messages, suggesting a random targeting approach. To protect yourself from falling victim to these toll scams, remember to verify any claims directly with the official toll operator through their website or customer service line. Install strong antivirus software on all your devices to safeguard yourself against malicious links and phishing attempts. Never share sensitive personal information like payment card details, Social Security numbers, or one-time passwords via text or unverified websites. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible for an extra layer of security. Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency and always verify the legitimacy of a message through official channels. Report any suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, and consider using a personal data removal service to minimize your online footprint and reduce the risk of becoming a target for scammers
SCAM PHISHING TEXT MESSAGE TOLL ROAD SECURITY CHINA SMISHING LIGHTHOUSE APPLE IMESSAGE RCS TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION ANTIVIRUS
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