Nigeria, June 25 -- The FBI has alerted phone users in the United States to beware of fake text messages that could lead to stolen money and personal data.

The alert follows a growing number of scam texts being sent to iPhone and Android users by criminal groups based in China.

These messages, which are part of a text-based phishing scam known as "smishing," are designed to trick victims into giving away sensitive financial information.

Since April 2025, scammers have pretended to be top U.S. officials, targeting both current and former government workers, along with their contacts.

Many of the messages appear official, claiming to be from government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Some falsely state that the...