Delete Now! Urgent Warning: New Text Scam Targeting Drivers.
Got a text message in your Mobile Device about an unpaid toll? Don’t click that link, no matter where you are! Authorities are warning iOS and Android users about a sneaky scam that’s spreading fast, and it’s not just targeting drivers in the USA. Scammers are sending fake texts claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls, hoping to steal your financial information and even your identity. While this scam is particularly prevalent in the US at present, it could pop up anywhere with toll roads. Let’s break down how this scam works and how to protect yourself, no matter which country you are in protect yourself as per the information published in the Website of Federal Trade Commission(FTC), USA.
The Fake Toll Text: How the Scam Works
Scammers send text messages that appear to be legitimate, repeatedly saying you have an unpaid toll that must be paid right away. Phony Toll text messages usually will direct you to a fraudulent website that looks like a legitimate payment website for tolls. When you click on the link, you are directed to enter your credit card or bank information and, in some cases, even your driver’s license number and other personally identifiable information.
Clicking the Link: A Risky Move
If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a fake website that asks for your bank account or credit card information. The scammers may also try to trick you into providing your driver’s license number and other personal details.
Why It’s So Effective: Playing on Emotions
These scammers are clever. They threaten you to get you to react emotionally and to act quickly. A text threatening to suspend your driver’s license if you don’t pay a toll is a big red flag, the F.T.C. says. Most people will panic and pay the amount demanded you asked for without checking that the text is legitimate.
The Ultimate Goal: Identity Theft and Empty Bank Accounts
The amount demanded might not be terribly high, but the ultimate goal of the scammer is to obtain your banking or checking information and clean out your financial accounts. With your financial account info and driver’s license number, the scammers might not only steal your money but could also steal your identity.
How to Protect Yourself: Don’t Click!
The FTC’s top recommendation is simple: When you receive any text message in your Mobile device from someone you don’t know, never click on a single link. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Scammers frequently disguise their messages to look like official notices. Always double-check before providing any personal information..
Reporting Spam Texts: Help Stop the Scammers
If you receive a suspicious text, use the “Report junk” option on your phone to report it. You can also forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). The FBI suggests that once you’ve checked out and reported the unwanted text, delete it immediately.
It’s a Phishing Scam: Old Tactics, New Twist
While the US Government is calling this a new scam, it’s simply another phishing scam since the text is written as though it came from a legitimate toll authority. The problem is that sometimes the target doesn’t remember whether he drove into a particular state and decides just to pay the amount requested since it seems like the easiest solution. Do not do this.
- Be Aware of Phishing Tactics – Scammers frequently disguise their messages to look like official notices. Always double-check before providing any personal information.
- Keep Your Software Updated – Ensure that your phone has the latest security updates to protect against malware and phishing attempts.
Investigate Before You Pay: Contact the Toll Agency Directly
If you’re unsure whether you owe a toll, contact the toll agency directly. Look up their official website or phone number online (don’t use the information provided in the text message). They’ll be able to tell you if you have any unpaid tolls and how to pay them safely.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Information
This toll scam serves as a reminder to always be cautious when receiving unexpected payment requests via text message. Scammers rely on urgency and fear to trick victims into acting without thinking. By staying vigilant, refusing to click on suspicious links, and verifying any claims through official channels, you can protect yourself from identity theft and financial loss. While this scam is currently widespread in the U.S., it can appear anywhere, so drivers around the world should stay alert.
Resource:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission), USA (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam)
- Phonearena.com
- https://consumer.ftc.gov
