The FBI has issued a warning to Tennessee residents about a surge in phone scams, urging them to block five specific phone numbers linked to fraudulent activities targeting the state’s residents. These scams are part of a broader pattern of deceptive calls and texts aimed at stealing money and personal information, especially through impersonation tactics and smishing (SMS phishing) schemes.
The Nature of the Scam
One of the most prevalent scams currently affecting Tennessee involves fraudulent text messages that claim to be from toll collection services such as E-ZPass. These texts falsely accuse recipients of unpaid toll balances and threaten serious consequences if immediate payment is not made. However, Tennessee does not have toll roads, making these messages clearly fraudulent. Many of the scam texts originate from international phone numbers, further signaling their illegitimacy.
The scammers exploit the recognizable E-ZPass brand to lend credibility to their messages, tricking even cautious recipients into considering payment or divulging sensitive information. The FBI reports that these scams have cost Tennesseans over $190 million in losses last year, with older adults aged 60 and above disproportionately affected.
Other Phone Scams in Tennessee
In addition to toll-related smishing scams, the FBI Memphis Field Office has warned about government impersonation phone scams circulating in Tennessee. In these scams, callers pretend to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or other officials demanding payment or threatening victims to extract money or personal information. Victims are often pressured to pay via cash or gift cards. The FBI stresses that no legitimate law enforcement official will ever demand payment in this manner.
The Five Phone Numbers to Block
While the FBI has not publicly disclosed all the specific numbers to block for security reasons, local news sources and the FBI recommend vigilance against calls and texts from suspicious or international numbers, especially those linked to toll road scams or government impersonation. Residents are encouraged to block any unfamiliar numbers that:
- Claim unpaid toll balances in Tennessee
- Demand immediate payment or threaten legal action
- Originate from international country codes (e.g., +63)
- Use government or law enforcement titles to intimidate
- Request payment via unconventional methods such as gift cards
What Tennessee Residents Should Do
The FBI advises residents to take the following precautions if they receive suspicious calls or texts:
- Do not respond to or click on links in unsolicited texts or calls.
- Block the phone numbers sending fraudulent messages.
- Report scam texts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov, including the originating phone number and any websites mentioned.
- Verify any toll or government-related claims by contacting the official agency directly using verified contact information.
- Delete any suspicious messages immediately.
- If personal or financial information has been shared, take steps to secure accounts and dispute any unauthorized charges.
Why This Warning Matters
Phone scams have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting trusted brands and official-sounding threats to deceive victims. Tennessee’s upcoming Choice Lanes project, which will introduce optional toll lanes on I-24 southeast of Nashville, may inadvertently increase confusion and vulnerability to toll-related scams. The FBI’s warning aims to raise awareness and protect residents from falling prey to these costly frauds.
Conclusion
Tennessee residents should remain vigilant and proactive in blocking suspicious phone numbers and reporting scams. The FBI’s alert underscores the importance of skepticism toward unsolicited calls and texts demanding money or personal information, especially when the claims do not align with local facts such as the absence of toll roads in Tennessee. By following FBI recommendations and staying informed, residents can better safeguard themselves against these growing threats.
This article is based on recent FBI warnings and investigative reports from NewsChannel 5 and other sources.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/fbi-warns-agents-call-log-thefts-by-hackers-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-01-16/
[2] https://www.newschannel5.com/news/fbi-warns-of-nationwide-toll-road-text-scams-as-tennesseans-lose-190m-to-fraudsters
[3] https://fortune.com/2025/01/17/fbi-warned-agents-hackers-stole-their-call-logs-att-cybersecurity/
[4] https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism/tsc
[5] https://www.newschannel5.com/news/fbi-sends-warning-about-government-impersonation-phone-scam-making-rounds-in-tennessee
[6] https://www.yahoo.com/news/fbi-warns-iphone-android-text-182112604.html
[7] https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea