Sun Mar 23 15:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Nationwide Smishing Scam Targets Toll Payers, Package Recipients, and Bill Payers
**Harrisburg, PA** – A surge in smishing (SMS phishing) scams is sweeping the nation, targeting unsuspecting victims with fraudulent text messages. The FBI has issued a warning about these sophisticated scams, which mimic legitimate communications from toll collection services, delivery companies, and utility providers.
Scammers are employing spoofing techniques to disguise their phone numbers and create convincing messages. Common tactics include demanding immediate payment for supposedly unpaid tolls (often small amounts like $3.95-$12.55), claiming undelivered packages requiring address verification, or urging payment of overdue bills. These messages often contain malicious links designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director Amy Anthony emphasized the urgency of caution, stating that these scams are designed to create panic and elicit quick reactions before victims can think critically. She urges citizens to avoid clicking on links demanding money, personal details, or credit card information.
The FBI defines smishing as a social engineering attack using text messages to trick victims into downloading malware or sharing sensitive data. Critically, legitimate toll services, such as E-ZPass, **never** request payment via text message.
Authorities advise anyone receiving suspicious texts to immediately delete them. If concerned about outstanding balances, individuals should access their accounts through official channels. Victims who have already fallen prey to the scam should contact their banks and credit card companies to secure their accounts, change passwords, and monitor for suspicious activity. Reports can be filed with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, including the originating phone number and any website URLs.
First Piper 