The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has alerted iPhone and Android users in the United States about a possible toll payment scam.

Reports from _Forbes_ indicate that the agency believes this scam might spread further, hinting at its potential emergence in previously unaffected regions.

The scam operates by sending victims a seemingly harmless text message notifying them of unpaid tolls that require prompt payment.

Those who click the link in the message are led to a fraudulent site that requests sensitive banking information, including credit card or bank account details.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has supported the FBI's alerts, asserting that such unsolicited messages are likely scams.

The FTC also stressed that individuals who respond to these messages face risks of financial loss and identity theft.

The agency stated, "The scammer is not only trying to take your money, but if you click the link, they could obtain your personal information (like your driver's license number) - and even seize your identity."

To reduce the chances of falling victim to these scams, FBI officials advise individuals to use the official website of the toll service provider or directly contact their customer service instead of responding to unsolicited messages.

Users are encouraged to delete any such texts to safeguard their privacy from potentially dangerous links.

It is believed that the criminals behind these scams are linked to Chinese cybercrime groups, which are reportedly creating and improving phishing kits designed to impersonate legitimate toll operators across different states.

This approach is part of a wider trend of impersonation scams utilized by these groups, which also includes fraudulent communications related to shipping companies, tax agencies, and immigration services.

Cybercriminals often target individuals who may be vulnerable or new to the country, seeking to obtain payment card information or enable fraudulent transactions through mobile wallets or shell companies.

The FBI has recorded previous incidents involving these perpetrators, including a December report that detailed the infiltration of major U.S. telecommunications companies—such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—by a group known as 'Salt Typhoon', which is believed to originate from China.

For those worried about their security, the FBI recommends using smartphones that receive regular operating system updates, employing devices with effective encryption management, and securing their accounts with phishing-resistant two-factor authentication methods.