In recent months, a concerning scam has emerged, targeting drivers across the United States with fraudulent text messages about unpaid tolls. These messages, often appearing to be from legitimate toll agencies like E-ZPass or SunPass, claim that recipients have outstanding toll balances and urge immediate payment to avoid penalties. However, these texts are sophisticated phishing attempts designed to steal personal and financial information.
How the Scam Operates
Scammers send text messages that appear to be from official toll road operators, warning recipients of unpaid tolls and potential fines. These messages typically contain a link to a fake website that closely resembles the legitimate toll agency’s site. Once on this site, individuals are prompted to enter sensitive information, such as credit card details and personal identification numbers. Security researchers have traced these scams to organized groups employing advanced phishing kits, making the fraudulent messages and websites highly convincing. (PrePass Toll Management provides all your tolling information and helps you manage any disputes or billing discrepancies in one platform, protecting you from fraud and scams.)
Recognizing the Red Flags
To protect yourself from these scams, be vigilant for the following warning signs:
- Unsolicited Messages: Receiving unexpected texts about unpaid tolls, especially if you haven’t recently used a toll road.
- Urgent Language: Messages that pressure you to act immediately to avoid fines or legal action.
- Suspicious Links: Links that direct you to websites asking for personal or financial information.
- Generic Greetings: Messages that do not address you by name or lack specific details about your vehicle or travel history.
Protective Measures
Follow these steps to safeguard against toll road phishing scams:
- Avoid Clicking on Links: Do not click on any links in unsolicited text messages. Instead, visit the official website of your toll agency by typing the URL directly into your browser.
- Verify Authenticity: If you receive a suspicious message, contact the toll agency using official contact information to confirm any outstanding balances.
- Report Suspicious Messages: Forward scam texts to your mobile carrier by sending them to 7726 (SPAM) and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible.
As these toll road phishing scams become more prevalent and sophisticated, it’s crucial to remain cautious and informed. By recognizing the signs of such scams and implementing protective measures, you can help safeguard your personal and financial information from cybercriminals.