As summer travel picks up, so does the prevalence of text scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and alarming. With families preparing to hit the roads, there is a noticeable rise in fraudulent messages warning individuals of potential fines, unpaid tolls, or even jail time. These digital scams resemble cockroaches—resilient and hard to eradicate.
The FBI reports that cybercriminals are using advanced artificial intelligence to craft more convincing text messages. These tools can help improve translations, remove awkward phrasing, and fix grammatical errors, making it more challenging for recipients to recognize scams. In 2022 alone, consumers reported losses totaling $470 million due to scams initiated through text messages—a staggering fivefold increase from 2020.
Similar to cockroaches, which hide in inconspicuous places, many text scams are originated from overseas, making them difficult to track. Recent alerts from state agencies across the country emphasize an uptick in fraudulent communications regarding unpaid tolls or traffic tickets, which can instill fear in recipients trying to comply with legal obligations. For instance, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has cautioned residents against responding to unsolicited texts demanding payments, reiterating that they never reach out via text for personal information.
Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Takoma Park Police in Maryland, have also warned residents about scammers impersonating state authorities. Reports of text messages camouflaged as final notices from the Maryland State Department of Motor Vehicles have emerged, threatening severe penalties for failing to pay alleged violations.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, do not engage with suspicious texts. Instead, verify any concerns through official channels such as your state’s tolling agency. Setting up online accounts can facilitate easier monitoring of your vehicle registration status. Additionally, if you experience any fraudulent messages, consider reporting them to the appropriate authorities, including the FTC.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can help diminish the impact of these digital pests and safeguard against financial loss. Together, we can combat these threats and foster a safer digital environment.