Federal officials warn of unpaid toll scam texts coast to coast

• A popular scam claiming drivers have unpaid tolls has recently resurfaced. Federal officials said people across the U.S. are getting text messages demanding payment and threatening consequences.
• Texts often include a link to an unofficial website where you can pay.
• If someone believes they’ve received the text, officials say to delete it and report it to your service provider and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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An easy-to-fall-for scam has resurfaced and it’s targeting Americans nationwide. Whether they’ve been through a toll lately or not, people across the country are getting “smishing” messages demanding they pay up.

What is smishing?

“Smishing” is a take on phishing scams. Instead of sending deceptive emails, scammers will send deceptive short message services or SMS texts.

The Federal Communications Commission says typical “smishing scams” look like they’re coming from legitimate sources, like your bank or your state’s toll service. The messages may even include a link or phone number to bait people into clicking or calling. Once you do, scammers can get your personal information, which they can “sell and/or use in other scams.”

The FCC says “smishers” may also try to convince recipients to download malware to their devices.

How can a spot a toll scam?

Usually, the messages come from international numbers. Officials said the messages often demand the recipient pay unpaid tolls immediately. If they refuse, the messages say the recipient will be fined or could potentially lose their license.

Sometimes the messages give a specific dollar amount and include a link where it can be paid. Others direct the recipient to reply with a “Y” to get a link to an unofficial website and some other instructions.

Don’t fall for it.

Not only will clicking on the links allow scammers to steal someone’s money, but personal info and maybe even identity, as well.

What do I do if I get one of these texts?

If someone finds themselves a recipient of one of these texts, officials say, don’t panic. First, make sure not to copy and paste the link that was sent into a browser. Second, don’t reply to the message. Instead, delete the message, report it as spam and block the number.

Experts said it’s also a good idea to report the scam to the FBI. When reporting the number to authorities, make sure to include the phone number the text was sent from and the link that was sent.

Now, if someone is worried they could owe toll money, go to a legitimate state toll website to see if anything is owed.

What if I’ve already been scammed?

If someone believes they’ve already been taken advantage of by a “smishing scam,” the FBI says to secure personal information. This can be done by changing passwords or updating security questions.

They also said people need to monitor their financial accounts closely. If anything in the accounts seems out of the ordinary, report that immediately to the bank.