Do you receive a text saying you are paying a toll? It’s a scam
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Americans are being attacked Toll Collection Scam Whether they went through the toll plaza or owned a car.
The scammers claim they are trying to steal sensitive information from the victim by omitting texts and borrowing money for unpaid tolls. Messages usually direct consumers to the link and warn you that you must pay a “late toll” to avoid late fees.
Smishing persuades scammers to send malicious messages to the victims and send short texts to provide sensitive information.
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In some cases, the con artist pretends to be e-zpass. In one message Fox Business saw, the text claimed it was there “Excessive deferral fees” Regarding bills that must be paid by February 12th. The message tells the victim to click on the link.
A shot of Smithtext trying to convince the victim to send money for an unpaid toll. (Fox Business / Fox News)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning that this tactic is far more dangerous than simply losing money.
“Not only do scammers try to steal money, but when you click on the link, you can get your personal information (such as your driver’s license number) and even steal your identity,” the FTC said in a previous statement. .
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Scammers aren’t just targeting familiar companies like E-Zpass. They said in a warning notification last month in a “pretending to coastal passageways and sending texts requesting money.”
New Jersey Turnpike cash and Zpass sign. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images group via Getty Images)
The FBI has issued a warning about the scam, taking into account the number of complaints that have entered the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. In April 2024, the FBI said the Centre received more than 2,000 complaints in a month alone reporting smidding texts representing road toll collection services from at least three states, causing fraud to state to state It indicates that it may be moving.
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According to the FTC, here is how to protect yourself.
1. Do not click on a link or reply to unexpected text. “The scammers want you to respond quickly, but it’s best to stop it and check it out,” the FTC said.
2. Please check if the text is legal by contacting your state’s paid agency using a recognized phone number or website.
3. Delete unnecessary text messages. The FTC says consumers must use the “report junk” option on their phone to report unwanted text to a messaging app or forward it to 7726 (spam).