Italy warns of WhatsApp toll‑payment phishing scam

The Italian State Police issued an alert on 15 May 2026 about a phishing campaign targeting WhatsApp users nationwide. Fraudsters send messages that appear to come from Autostrade per l’Italia, citing a fictitious toll‑payment violation and providing a verbale number. The messages urge the recipient to “download the notice” via a link that leads to a counterfeit website designed to steal personal and banking credentials, including passwords, credit‑card numbers and OTP codes.

Police advise users never to click the link, to block the sender, and to report the incident to the Polizia Postale. The scam exploits a bureaucratic tone and a sense of urgency to prompt quick, unverified action. Standard precautions such as verifying sender authenticity, checking URLs, using two‑factor authentication and keeping security software updated are recommended to avoid falling victim.