FBI Warning for All Phone Users: Delete Scam Messages

Introduction

Imagine you pick up your smartphone and see a message saying, “You owe $5 in toll fees — pay now or your license will be suspended.” The sender looks like a government agency. You might think, “Maybe it’s real.” But the FBI now warns that messages like this are dangerous. They ask smartphone users to delete certain messages immediately.

In this article, we will explain:

What exactly is the FBI warning about?
Why are these messages risky?
How deleting them can protect you.
What signs show your phone might already be under threat?
Easy steps you can take to stay safe.
Real expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions in simple words

By the end, you will know exactly what to do if you ever get one of these suspicious texts.

1. What the FBI warning is about.

The FBI has issued a public alert telling both iPhone and Android users to delete certain text messages immediately.

These aren’t ordinary spam messages. They are sometimes called smishing texts (a mix of “SMS” + “phishing”) that pretend to be from trusted sources like the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or toll payment services.

The FBI says these scammers often claim you have an unpaid toll or traffic fine, and then ask you to click a link to pay. If you click that link may lead to a fake website designed to steal your information.

Because these messages can look convincing, the FBI wants everyone to be extra careful and treat them as threats, not annoyances.

2. Why the FBI is urging users to delete these messages.

2.1 What is smishing?

Smishing is a kind of scam done through text messages. The scammer sends you a message pretending to be someone you trust. They try to trick you into:

Clicking on a link
Revealing your personal or financial information.
Paying money through a fake site.

If you do, you might lose money or allow attackers to access your phone or data.

2.2 How Attackers Use These Messages

Here’s how the scam often works:

You receive a message that says you haven’t paid your toll fees.
There is a link in that text.
When you click the link, it opens a fake site that looks just like a real one.
On that fake site, you may be asked to enter your credit card, identity details, or login information.
The scammers steal your information or money.

Sometimes the text may ask you to reply or to do something that causes the link to become clickable.

Because these scams try to look official, many people fall for them. The FBI says these attacks are increasing.

2.3 Real Examples

The FBI reported that a DUI (state DMV) text scam was sent, claiming users owe tolls and urging them to pay immediately.
In June 2025, attacks involving these “DMV texts” saw over a 700% increase compared to before.
Some of these messages originate from criminal groups overseas.

Because of these dangers, the FBI is telling everyone to delete suspicious messages, even if you haven’t opened them yet.

3. How Deleting Old or Suspicious Messages Helps You

You might wonder: “If I haven’t clicked the link, does it really matter?” The short answer is yes. Deleting these messages reduces your risk and helps you maintain good digital hygiene.

3.1 Preventing Mistakes

We all sometimes make mistakes—clicking a link by accident, especially if we are tired or distracted. If a suspicious message is already gone, there’s no chance to click on it.

3.2 Reducing Attack Surface

Attackers sometimes use hidden techniques that can trigger actions even if we don’t click. Deleting the message removes that pathway.

3.3 Protecting If the Device Is Lost or Hacked

If someone gets your phone, any dangerous messages left inside may help them exploit it further. Deleting old, suspicious messages is like cleaning up your digital space.

3.4 Trustworthy Messaging Apps vs. Regular SMS

Encrypted messaging apps (like Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp) provide stronger protection than normal SMS. Even if someone intercepts data, encryption can block them from reading it. Many experts recommend using encryption where possible.

But encryption doesn’t make you safe if you click a bad link, so deleting suspicious texts is still vital.

4. Signs Your Phone May Already Be Compromised

If your phone is acting strangely, it might already have been under attack. Here are red flags:

The battery drains very fast without heavy use.
Sudden high data usage — data is being used when you’re not doing anything.
Apps you didn’t install appear.
Pop-ups, ads, or strange notifications.
Overheating with no heavy tasks.
Unusual messages are sent from your phone (your contacts complain).

If you see any of these, you should act immediately (see the next section).

5. Steps to Secure Your Smartphone Against Message-Based Threats

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide that everyone can follow to stay safe.

Step 1: Delete Suspicious Messages

Don’t hesitate. If a message claims to be from a government agency, a bank, or a bill that you don’t recognize, delete it.
Even if unopened, remove it.

Step 2: Block Unknown Senders

On iPhones: Go to Messages, tap the sender → “Block this caller.”
On Android: Similar “Block number” options in messages or call settings.

Step 3: Don’t click links from unknown sources.

If a message contains a link and you don’t expect it, never click.
Instead, go to the official website yourself (not via the link) to check.

Step 4: Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

For your important accounts (email, banking), enable 2FA so that even if someone steals your password, they still need a second code.

Step 5: Keep Software Updated

Always install updates for your phone’s system and apps. Many updates patch security holes.

Step 6: Use reliable security apps.

Use antivirus or anti-malware apps from trusted brands.
Regularly scan your phone.

Step 7: Use Encrypted Messaging Apps

If possible, switch to apps that offer end-to-end encryption (Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp).
These apps make it much harder for attackers to snoop.

Step 8: Report Fraud Mess. In the U.S., you can report to agencies.

FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

In the U.S., you can send spam text messages to 7726 to report them.
Always report suspicious messages through your messaging app features (e.g., “Report spam”).

Step 9: Freeze or Watch Financial Accounts

If you fear your data has been exposed, freeze your credit or watch your bank accounts for strange activity.

Step 10: Educate those around you.

Share these tips with family (especially the elderly).
Encourage them not to click on or trust unexpected messages.

6. Expert Insights: What Security Pros Are Saying

Unit 42 (Palo Alto Networks) has found that many scam domains use the “.xin” top-level domain (linked to China) in these smishing attacks.
The FTC warns that if you get a text about an unpaid toll, it’s probably a scam.
Security analysts note that scammers are using more clever tricks: messages that ask you to reply first to make the links active.
Some messages masquerade as agencies or officials—even senior U.S. officials. The FBI cautions against trusting messages that claim to come from high-level officials.

These experts reinforce that these are not harmless texts. Treat them seriously and act quickly.

7. What the FBI recommends you do next.

Here are key recommendations from the FBI and related agencies:

Delete suspicious messages immediately, even if they are suspicious.
Do not click on embedded links or download unfamiliar attachments.
Report incidents via official portals (e.g., IC3 in the U.S.).
Verify any notices by contacting the agency via trusted phone numbers or websites.
Use security best practices (2FA, updates, encryption).

The FBI also reminds people that sophisticated attacks may evolve, so staying updated is crucial.

8. Final Thoughts — Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Receiving a message that seems urgent, legal, or official can be scary. But most of the time, it is a scam in disguise. The FBI warning is clear: these messages are dangerous.

By deleting suspicious texts immediately, staying alert, and following good security habits, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Share this knowledge with friends and family. Digital safety increases when everyone knows what to look out for.

Examples (for Kids & Adults)

Example 1 (kid mode): You see a message: “DMV: You owe $4.57 in tolls. Pay now: hxxp://dmv-pay.xyz.” You don’t remember going through any tolls. So you simply delete the message. You don’t click.
Example 2 (grown up): You get:“Your driver’s license is suspended. Visit the link to reinstate.” Don’t panic. Instead, go to your DMV’s official website (type it yourself) to check. Meanwhile, delete the message.

These are simple but powerful actions.

FAQs

Q1: If I never click the link, is the message harmless? A: Not always. Some vulnerabilities or exploits can activate even without explicitly clicking. Deleting it is the safest move.

Q2: Should I block the number, too? A: Yes, blocking helps prevent further messages from that specific number. But note: scammers often change numbers, so deletion, blocking, and caution are best.

Q3: Can unopened messages infect my phone? A: It’s unlikely to open them. The risk typically comes when links are clicked or attachments are downloaded. But deleting them removes the chances of accidental interaction.

Q4: Is this problem only in the U.S.? A: Scams like this exist globally. Even though the FBI warning is for the U.S., the same techniques can be used elsewhere. Always stay cautious.

Q5: What if I already clicked a link? A: Immediately change passwords for important accounts, freeze or check your financial accounts, run a security scan, and possibly contact professionals.

Q6: Are encrypted messaging apps totally safe? A: They offer strong protection, but no system is perfect. Always avoid clicking on suspicious links, even in encrypted apps.

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