FBI Warning As iPhone, Android Users ‘Bombarded’ By Chinese Attack
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to Americans about a new wave of malicious text messages that are flooding the country's mobile phones. The attack, which is believed to have originated in China, is using fake tolls as its lure to steal sensitive information from unsuspecting victims.
Stop sending texts, the FBI told Americans in December, as Chinese hackers marauded through U.S. networks. But this latest threat is different. Instead of targeting specific individuals or organizations, it's targeting millions of people across the country with generic messages that appear to come from legitimate government agencies.
The Toll Scam: A Generic Attack
The scam involves sending fake text messages that threaten recipients with court summons if they don't pay a fee. The message typically reads something like: "City Department of Transportation Final warning: $6.99 owed. Must pay by 03/17 to close case or face court summons. Settle now:
The attackers are using a technique called spoofing, where they make the messages appear to come from a legitimate government agency. However, the link provided in the message leads to a fake website that asks for sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial details.
What's Behind the Attack?
The FBI believes that this attack is just one part of a larger campaign by Chinese hackers to target American mobile phones. The attackers are using advanced techniques to evade detection and make it difficult for victims to identify the source of the attack.
"Scammers do not discriminate against anyone," says an FBI spokesperson. "They want money from anyone they can take it from."
Protecting Yourself
If you receive a text message like this, don't panic. However, do take action to protect yourself. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website
- Contact the toll service's customer service phone number
- Delete any smishing texts received
- Change your key passwords, especially for comms and finance platforms
- Report the incident to the FBI's IC3.gov or apwg.org/sms
A Larger Threat?
This attack is not just a localized problem. It's part of a larger trend of cyber attacks that are targeting mobile phones across the country. The Australian Federal Police has issued a warning about a similar scam that is spoofing its identity to appear as a legitimate crypto exchange.
These threats cross borders, and if it's happening overseas, you can be certain it will come to the U.S. sooner rather than later," says an FBI spokesperson.
The Future of Attacks
This latest attack is just one example of how cyber attackers are evolving their tactics. Eventually, this threat will shift to something else, but for now, it's essential to stay vigilant and take action to protect yourself.
Don't just look out for toll texts; the lure could be anything. Be cautious, and always be aware of your surroundings," advises a security expert.
Action Now
The time to act is now. If you're concerned that you may have fallen victim to one of these phishing attacks, don't hesitate to take action. Change your accounts, update your passwords, and report the incident to the relevant authorities.