The FBI is urging iPhone and Android users to be cautious if they receive an unusual text message.
While technology has become an essential part of our lives, it also opens the door for scammers to reach us more easily than ever.
Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, finding new and more sophisticated ways to trick unsuspecting victims.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the latest trick in the scammer playbook involves a fake message claiming smartphone users have unpaid road tolls.
"Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money," the FTC explained on its website.
"The scammy text might show a dollar amount for how much you supposedly owe and include a link that takes you to a page to enter your bank or credit card info — but it’s a phishing scam," they added.
What makes this particular scam so ridiculous is that it's being sent to people who don’t even drive - including residents of states where toll roads don’t even exist.
One person shared their experience on X, writing: "Anyone else getting texts like this? I’ve gotten two today. Different websites though. I know it’s a scam because I don’t go on toll roads. Just wondering if others get this too."
Another pointed out the scammers’ lack of research: "Scammers, we don’t have tolls in CT. Maybe try to scam someone in a state where they do have tolls."
A third user found the situation funny, sharing: "Scammers trynna be like you have unpaid tolls.... girl i do not drive you think im dumb?"
The FTC warns that scammers aren’t just after your money - clicking the link could expose personal details like your driver’s license number. This could put you at risk of identity theft.
If you receive one of these messages, here’s what the FTC advises: "Don’t click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out."
Next, check to see if the text is legit: "Reach out to the state’s tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text."
Finally, they said: "Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM)."
After reporting, delete the text and move on - no toll fees, no trouble.