This viral scam is spreading fast across America.Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesBeware theres a nasty new threat working its way across America. The FBI warns that the scam may be moving from state-to-state. To be clear, if it isnt already in the city where you live, chances are it will be soon. Do not become a victim.If you have received a text warning you owe money for unpaid road tolls, its probably a scam, the FTC says. Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money. And the consequences are dire. Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info (like your drivers license number) and even steal your identity.The scam is stupidly simple, a text pretending to be from the local agency with a dollar amount and a link to pay. This is a phishing attack or a smishing attack to be more exact, given this is almost always a text rather than an email.MORE FOR YOULast month alone, there were media reports from Massachusetts, California, North and South Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Florida and more. Its always the same style of text and its always a scam. This has become a national level issue. A viral threat.Toll scam warningFTCThe FBI says it began receiving reports of the scam in March 2024, with thousands of citizens reporting smishing texts representing road toll collection services since then. The texts, the bureau says, claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language. The outstanding toll amount is similar However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the states toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.The FBIs advice is simple and it will ensure you dont join the thousands already duped. Check your account using the toll services legitimate website [or] contact the toll services customer service phone number. And then, critically, delete any smishing texts received. You dont want these malicious links on your phone.If you have already fallen victim, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts [and] dispute any unfamiliar charges. This might mean contacting your bank or credit card if youve already paid, and if youve given address details be wary of any new applications for credit or other services in your name.This joins the scourge of other viral scams targeting citizens. To these toll smishing attacks, you can add phantom hacker banking attacks, fraudulent support calls and even make-believe police officers demanding payments to avoid arrest.The advice is always simple. Dont take unsolicited calls from banks or tech support. Never agree to install software or move money. Dont pay cold calling cops asking for cash. And never click on toll links that turn up unexpectedly in text messages. Stick to these basics and youll kill any attempts to scam you right at the start.