FBI Warns Smartphone Owners About Dangerous New Scam

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to all smartphone users in the United States about a rapidly spreading scam that could lead to financial loss and identity theft. According to the agency, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals through a technique known as “smishing” – a combination of SMS (text messaging) and phishing.

In this scheme, victims receive text messages that appear to come from trusted companies, banks, delivery services, or even government agencies. The messages often include urgent language, such as “Your account has been compromised” or “Package delivery delayed – click here to update your address,” followed by a link. Once the victim clicks the link, they are redirected to a fake website designed to steal login credentials, personal details, or payment information.

The FBI reports that many scammers are now using sophisticated tactics to make the fake websites look identical to legitimate ones. They also use phone number spoofing, making it appear as though the messages are coming from real organizations. This makes the scam more convincing and harder to detect.

Victims who fall for the scam may not only lose money directly from their bank accounts but also face long-term consequences, such as unauthorized credit card charges, fraudulent loans opened in their name, and even damage to their credit score.

To protect against this scam, the FBI recommends the following:

Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious text messages.

Verify any urgent claims by contacting the organization directly through official channels.

Use multi-factor authentication for all online accounts.

Install and regularly update security software on your smartphone.

Report suspicious messages to your mobile carrier and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The FBI emphasizes that awareness is the first line of defense. By staying alert and cautious, smartphone users can significantly reduce their chances of falling victim to such attacks.