FBI Issues Urgent Warning About New Text Scam—Here’s What You Need to Know

Hackers are using fake texts to trick people into revealing sensitive information, and the problem is getting worse. The FBI and several U.S. cities are warning about a new smishing scam that impersonates government agencies, parking departments, and toll services to steal financial data.

Key Facts:

The scam, called “smishing,” uses fraudulent text messages to steal personal and financial information.
Hackers have set up over **10,000 fake websites** targeting both iPhone and Android users.
Texts claim to be from **city parking departments or toll agencies**, demanding immediate payments.
The **FBI has received over 2,000 complaints** since March about fake toll collection texts in at least three states.
Many of these scams are linked to cybercriminals using **Chinese .XIN domain websites** for their operations.

The Rest of The Story:

The latest wave of smishing attacks is spreading across the country, with scammers pretending to be city authorities demanding parking fine payments.

Residents in cities like Boston, Detroit, and San Francisco have received texts threatening $35 daily fines for unpaid violations.

The FBI has also uncovered a broader scheme where scammers now pose as road toll agencies, pressuring people to pay fake fines.

A cybersecurity report by Palo Alto Networks found that many of these scams originate from cybercriminal groups using pre-built hacking toolkits.

These messages often include links leading to fake websites designed to steal credit card and banking information.

Authorities warn that the scam is evolving, expanding beyond parking fines and tolls to impersonate delivery services, tricking recipients into clicking on malicious links.

🚨 Classic example of a “smishing” attempt. 🚨 Someone impersonating @NorwaySavings — the scammer is trying to get you to click that sketchy link. Also, the sender’s address is a giveaway. @newscentermaine #maine @KnowBe4 @USAO_ME #scam pic.twitter.com/ysJEhKHxZF

— Chris Costa (@ChrisCostaTV) March 13, 2025

Commentary:

These scams are getting more frequent and more convincing, which means people need to be extra careful.

I’ve personally received multiple fake texts like these recently, and they’re becoming harder to distinguish from legitimate messages.

Scammers are counting on people being in a rush—they want you to panic and pay before thinking it through.

Whether it’s a fake toll notice or a fraudulent parking ticket, the goal is the same: steal your money and personal data.

Never click on links in unexpected texts. If you get a message about an unpaid fine, verify it through official channels before doing anything.

It’s not just individuals at risk—businesses and government agencies should also be concerned.

If hackers can create thousands of fake websites and send out mass phishing texts, what’s stopping them from targeting bigger financial systems?

The fact that the FBI is sounding the alarm tells us just how serious this problem is.

If tech companies and mobile carriers don’t step up their efforts to block these scams, more people will fall victim.

At the end of the day, personal vigilance is the best defense. Ignore suspicious texts, report them to your mobile carrier, and use strong security measures like antivirus software and two-factor authentication.

The Bottom Line:

Scammers are using fake text messages to impersonate government agencies, and the FBI warns that the problem is growing.

Whether it’s parking fines, toll fees, or delivery scams, these texts are designed to steal financial and personal data.

Don’t fall for it—never click on unexpected links, always verify before paying, and report suspicious messages immediately.