Cyber Crime
FBI Warns iPhone And Android Users : Delete These ‘Smishing’ Texts Now to Avoid Scams
The FBI has issued a crucial warning to iPhone and Android users about a rapidly growing SMS phishing (smishing) scam that is sweeping across the United States. These fraudulent messages are designed to steal personal and financial information, and authorities are urging recipients to delete any suspicious texts immediately.
How the Scam Works
Cybercriminals are sending deceptive text messages that claim you have an unpaid bill or an urgent issue requiring immediate payment. These messages often contain links that appear legitimate but actually lead to malicious sites designed to steal sensitive information such as credit card details and personal data. To bypass security filters, scammers sometimes instruct victims to manually enter the URL into their browser.
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According to Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, hackers have registered over 10,000 fraudulent domains to support this large-scale operation. Many of these scam links are linked to Chinese cybercrime groups, as indicated by the “.XIN” top-level domains. Some reported examples include:
- dhl.com-new[.]xin
- e-zpassny.com-ticketd[.]xin
- fedex.com-fedexl[.]xin
- usps.com-tracking-helpsomg[.]xin
Rapid Spread Across Major U.S. Cities
Authorities have noted a sharp rise in smishing attacks across the country. Cities like Boston, Denver, Houston, and San Francisco have reported significant cases, while cybersecurity experts at McAfee have identified Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando as the most targeted locations.
The scam has evolved to include new tactics, such as rejecting victims’ payment attempts multiple times to collect several card numbers. Officials in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio have also issued alerts regarding these fraudulent schemes.
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How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself from falling victim to smishing scams, the FBI and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommend the following steps:
- Delete suspicious messages immediately – Do not click on any links or reply.
- Verify messages through official sources– If you receive a message about an unpaid bill or account issue, visit the service provider’s official website or contact customer support directly.
- Report scam texts – Forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) or file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to include the sender’s phone number and the fraudulent website link.
- Secure your personal and financial accounts – If you have clicked on a suspicious link or provided any information, monitor your accounts for unusual activity and dispute any unfamiliar charges.
The FTC warns that scammers rely on urgency to trick people into acting without thinking. Take a moment to verify before taking any action, and always use official websites or customer service numbers to check your account status. Stay alert and protect yourself from these evolving cyber threats!