Law enforcement officers have warned iPhone users about a new tactic scammers are using to steal their personal information. 

The Sheriff's Office in Hampden County, Massachusetts said Tuesday that people have been reporting text messages stating that an 'investigation is being finalized' against them and urging them to call back immediately to avoid 'further legal action.'

The nefarious messages provide a fake case number, a phone number to call and sometimes a link that says to 'listen to a voicemail.'

The Sheriff's Office warned that clicking this link could install malware on your device in an attempt to access your personal information.   

'These scammers want to scare people into acting before thinking,' Sheriff Cocchi said.

Even if the text appears to be from a legitimate agency, the Sheriffs Office said 'it is likely spoofed using Internet-based services.'

'Law enforcement will never call, text, or email to demand money, resolve a warrant, or conduct official business,' Sheriff Cocchi added.

'If you receive a message like this, do not engage — delete it and report it.'

The Sheriff’s Office said these latest uses fear and urgency, demanding money to resolve issues.

Those issues may include a missed court appearances, jury duty, or telling victims they need to follow instructions to avoid being arrested.

Scammers frequently target victims through alarming text messages, emails or phone calls that cause the receiver to panic, making them more likely to divulge personal information or click a dangerous link. 

Another recent example of this scare tactic is E-Z Pass smishing texts.

The term 'smishing' is a combination of SMS (Short Message Service) and 'phishing,' and these messages aim to steal your passwords, credit card information or other sensitive details. 

Over the last several weeks, people have reported text messages that appear to come from E-Z Pass or some other toll company saying: 'Final Reminder: You owe an outstanding toll. Pay by March 31 to avoid additional fees or legal action.' 

While it may look legitimate, this message was sent by a scammer trying to get their hands on your money. 

These smishing texts have been reported across the country, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to issue a nationwide warning Wednesday. 

'Since early-March 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received over 2,000 complaints reporting smishing texts representing road toll collection service from at least three states,' the warning states.

'IC3 complaint information indicates the scam may be moving from state-to-state.'

The FBI advised people who receive one of these messages to report it to IC3, check their accounts using the toll servicer's legitimate website and delete the text. 

'If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges,' the warning states. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that 'not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info and even steal your identity.'

Cybercriminals have reportedly registered more than 10,000 domains to fuel this recent wave of attacks.

While it has mainly centered around fake toll fees, reports of smishing texts that reference unpaid bills, package deliveries or other made-up scenarios. 

Smishing texts generally follow a similar pattern. The message states that the recipient has a unpaid bill or fee that they need to pay immediately to a fee or worse.

It then provides a link to a fraudulent payment sit. iMessage blocks such links, so the texts usually include instructions to either reply directly to the message or copy and paste the link into Safari.  

So if you receive a text that looks like this, do not engage. Report it immediately and then delete the message.