If you receive a text message from a toll company claiming that you owe $12.51 in unpaid fees and that if you don’t act quickly you will be fined another $50, don’t worry; that is not realistic.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about an ongoing smishing campaign that appears to have affected thousands of US citizens so far.
“Since early March 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received more than 2,000 complaints about smishing text messages representing the toll collection agency from at least three states,” the FBI said.
Don’t trade
The message reads “(State Toll Service Name): We noticed an outstanding toll charge of $12.51 on your file. To avoid a $50.00 late fee, please visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to check your balance to settle.”
So far, only certain US regions have been affected, with the FBI speculating that this means the scam is moving from state to state and drivers in other regions could soon receive a similar text message. If that happens, the law enforcement agency says victims should file a complaint with the IC3 and include the scammer’s phone number and website mentioned in the message.
Those unsure whether they really have unpaid tolls should check their account through the agency’s legitimate website (instead of clicking the link in the text message), or by calling the toll agency’s customer service phone number.
Among those impersonated in this campaign is Pennsylvania Turnpike, which later warned drivers directly: “Some customers have received phishing text messages claiming to be from PA Turnpike toll services.” BleepingComputer cited the warning. “If you receive such a text message with a link to pay an outstanding toll, do not click on the link and delete the text.”