What are the “SMING texts?”
Newsweek They reported that these threat actors use “fishing texts” (fishing attacks through SMS) of recently registered 10,000 domains, using false payment applications to access the sensitive information of iPhone and Android users. This cybernetic threat has been a year ago.
The FBI issued a public service announcement that warned the North -Americans on these varying texts, which vary according to the state in the information they provide.
“The texts claim that the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contains almost identical language,” FBI stated. “The” toll amount “is similar between the complaints reported to the IC3. However, the link provided within the text is created to supplant the name of the State Toll Service and the telephone numbers seem to change between the states.”
The Federal Commission of Commerce also warned the north -Americans about the Cyber -threat And which scammers seek to get -ne:
“Not only does the scammer try to steal your money, but if clicking the link, they could get your personal data (such as the driver’s license number), and even steal your identity”, Said the FTC.
Domains used in texts came from Chinese cybercreminal groups
The FBI also stated that fake text messages always mention a minimum balance than the person owes and provides a link for payment.
“(Name of State Toll Service): We have noticed a toll amount of $ 12.51 in your registration. To avoid a late $ 50.00 fee, visit (malicious website link) to solve the balance.”
According to Forbidden, Unit 42 of Palo Alto NetworksA cybersecurity organization that provides threat intelligence, response of incidents and cyber risk assessments, shared a report on cyber threat and the way Chinese cybercrriminal groups probably created domains. The company stated that the “.XIN TLD” is added at the end of the following domains:
- DHL.com-New (.) Chinese
- Driveks.com-jds (.) Chinese
- ezdrive.com-2H98 (.) Chinese
- ezdrivema.com-Citations-ETC (.) Chinese
- ezdrivema.com-scuretta (.) Chinese
- e-zpassiag.com-Courtfees (.) Chinese
- e-zpassny.com-icketd (.) Chinese
- FedEx.com-fedexl (.) Chinese
- Getipass.com-ickeuz (.) Chinese
- Sunpass.com-icketap (.) Chinese
- ThetollRouads.com- Fatrakeu (.) Chinese
- USPS.com-puntar-helpsomg (.) Chinese
Bleading computer They reported that large -north -American cities, including Annapolis, Boston, Greenwich, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, San Diego and San Francisco, have been targeted, with smooth telephone users who receive phishing text messages.
However, in recent weeks, about 20 cities have been the most directed between January and February, according to Mcafee, for Forbes:
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Orlando, Florida
- Miami
- San Antonio
- Las vegas
- Houston
- Denver
- San Diego
- Phoenix
- Seattle
- Indianapolis
- Boardman, Ohio
New York has also reported to receive easy -to -identify texts. The texts contained the amount of the dollar allegedly owed, with the dollar sign after the amount instead of before.
Mcafee He also emphasized the most directed cities:
“Look for the two ways in a new form of scam That is In the promotion, especially if you live in Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago or Orlando – False road scams. They are the five main cities that are obtained by scammers, “said the company, according to Forbes.
What do you have to do after receiving a text from SMING?
The FBI provided steps to protect the text scams: to file a complaint to the IC3 to www.ic3.govIncluding the telephone number and the website of the text. Verify the accounts through legitimate toll service websites, please contact the Customer Service and delete the SMING texts. If you shared information or click on the links, surely personal and financial accounts and dispute any unknown charge.
