FBI’s urgent warning to smartphone users: What you should know

The FBI has issued a serious warning to smartphone users across the United States, urging them to immediately delete certain text messages—even if they haven’t opened them. These messages are part of a growing scam campaign designed to trick people into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. Known as “smishing”—short for SMS phishing—these scams are becoming more sophisticated, widespread, and dangerous.

In recent months, there has been a massive spike in scam text messages, especially those impersonating legitimate institutions like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), toll agencies, banks, and even government authorities. Many of these messages claim the recipient owes tolls or must verify their information to avoid legal action. Some even threaten jail time if immediate action isn’t taken. According to cybersecurity experts, scammers are leveraging fear and urgency to push unsuspecting users into clicking dangerous links.

What makes these scams especially deceptive is their professional appearance. The messages often come from names like “NY DMV” or “Toll Services” and are designed to look official. They include real-sounding references, logos, and web links that mimic actual agency websites. However, clicking on those links could lead to malware installation or phishing pages that harvest sensitive personal and financial data.

In June alone, DMV-related scam messages surged by more than 700%, prompting several states—including Florida, Iowa, and Alaska—to issue their own consumer alerts. The FBI has now emphasized that smartphone users must delete suspicious texts without clicking on any links or replying to the message. In some cases, simply engaging with the text—by opening it or responding—could increase vulnerability.

To help combat the rise of smishing, the FBI encourages users to forward scam messages to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”). This helps mobile carriers block the sender and prevent further attacks. Additionally, any victims or concerned users can report such incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

Smishing attacks are on the rise because they exploit the trust people place in their mobile devices. While emails can be filtered or ignored more easily, text messages often trigger immediate attention. This emotional response is what scammers count on. The FBI is urging everyone to pause before clicking, verify messages through official channels, and never input sensitive details into links received via unsolicited messages.

With more than 150 million smartphone users in the U.S. potentially at risk, this isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a national cyberthreat. Staying informed, cautious, and proactive remains the best defence. So, the next time you receive a random text demanding action, remember: if in doubt, delete it out.