The FBI and other state agencies have sent out alerts warning people about “smishing” scams spreading across the United States that lure users in with text messages about unpaid toll bills.
In a notice earlier this month, the law enforcement bureau said that it has received 2,000 reports from people that they have received text message phishing, or smishing.
These are texts that claim to represent “road toll collection service from at least three states” and “may be moving from state-to-state.”
An example of a scam text message includes the state toll agency or service name and the message: “We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit [website address] to settle your balance.”
That alleged toll amount “is similar among the complaints reported to” the agency, but the aforementioned link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.”
“If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges,” the FBI notice said, adding that users should then check their toll account via the website or call the toll agency’s phone number.
A typical scam may appear to be a text message sent from a bank and will include a link or phone number to click on or call, respectively, to obtain sensitive data such as credit card information or a Social Security number.
“Validate any suspicious texts. If you get a text purportedly from a company or government agency, check your bill for contact information or search the company or agency’s official website.
State Agencies Issue Warnings
The FBI notice did not name the states impacted by the toll-related scams. However, agencies in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, and Ohio have sent out warnings on social media.“If anyone receives these text messages, they should reach out directly to the appropriate facility to verify authenticity,” the agency said.
“If you receive such a text, providing you with a link to pay an outstanding toll, do not click on the link, and delete the text.”
The Ohio Turnpike on April 22 also warned about the scam, saying in a release that the E-ZPass system does not collect tolls through text messages or issue violations via texts.
“The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads,” the release noted.
