The FBI warns iPhone and Android users about a growing threat targeting citizens via malicious SMS (SMSHING) texts, according to a Forbes report. These fraudulent messages “switching from state to state” try to steal personal and financial information, urging recipients to immediately delete any suspicious text.
Cybercriminals have recorded more than 10,000 areas to support this large -scale scam. Palo Alto Networks unit 42 cited that the scam encourages users to disclose sensitive data such as the details of the credit card.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also warned of these scams, declaring: “Not only does the crook try to steal your money, but if you click on the link, it could get your personal information and even steal your identity.”
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The same scam involves sending an SMS that you have an unpaid invoice, and if you do not make an urgent payment, you will risk a penalty. Usually it is disguised in regular connection, but the message is only a fraudulent link. While Imessage filters these links, the crooks tell the victims to do something like the answer or to manually put the URL in their browser.
The FBI warns against fraudulent payment scams using high -level false areas
Cybercriminals would use a toolbox created by Chinese cybercrime groups, as indicated by the higher level areas used in fraudulent links. Some of the deceptive domain names, reported by Forbes, include:
DHL.com-New[.]Xin
e-zpassny.com–Tickketd[.]Xin
Fedex.com-fedexl[.]Xin
USPS.com Tracking-helpsomg[.]Xin
Bleeping Computer reports that these scams spread quickly, which has aroused warnings from managers of many American cities, including Boston, Denver, Houston and San Francisco. McAfee also identified the most targeted cities, with Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and Orlando at the top of the list.
Users are advised to then check their account with the toll service via its official website or directly contact customer support.
The scam has evolved to include new tips, such as rejection on several occasions of payment of a victim to collect several card numbers. The authorities of Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia and Ohio have issued similar warnings.
To protect you, the FBI advises:
“File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, [and include] the phone number where the text is from [and] The website listed in the text. »»
“Check your account using the legitimate toll service website.”
“Contact the telephone service phone number of the toll service.”
“Remove all the purge texts received.”
“If you have clicked on a link or if you have provided your information, make efforts to secure your personal information and your financial accounts. Contest all unknown accusations. »»
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The FTC also warns: “Do not click on any link or respond to the unexpected texts. The crooks want you to react quickly, but it is best to stop and check it. Instead, users must check messages via official sources and report unwanted texts by transmitting them to 7726 (SPAM).
