Greg's Corner

Nationwide Scam Targets Toll Road Users

By Greg Collier

Scammers have ramped up their efforts once again, this time targeting drivers across the United States with a deceptive tactic aimed at toll road users. Whether you’re in North Carolina, Louisiana, Kansas, or any state with a toll program, you might receive a fraudulent text message falsely claiming that you owe money for using toll roads. This scam, referred to as smishing, tricks recipients into clicking on malicious links by pretending to be official communications from toll agencies. These messages often insist that payment is overdue and pressure you to act quickly to avoid additional fees.

In these fraudulent texts, scammers impersonate toll agencies like NC Quick Pass or GeauxPass. They provide a link that appears legitimate but directs users to a fake website, where personal and financial information is harvested. One tactic involves using slightly altered versions of the official website’s domain name, something as small as omitting a letter or switching ‘.com’ to ‘.net’, to create the illusion of legitimacy. In one instance, a scam directed Louisiana drivers to a domain that had only a minor misspelling of GeauxPass, a change easy to overlook in a moment of urgency.

The reach of this scam has expanded, initially affecting a few states, but now spreading nationwide. Whether you’ve used a toll road recently or not, receiving such a message is increasingly common. The scammers use randomly selected phone numbers, casting a wide net in the hope that someone will fall for the ploy. Even if you’ve never been on a toll road, you could still receive one of these fraudulent texts.

One clear indicator of the scam is the text’s request for payment. Legitimate toll agencies do not ask for money via text message. This is a significant red flag, signaling that the message is a scam. Scammers often attempt to create a sense of urgency, threatening additional fees if the supposed balance isn’t settled immediately.

If you receive one of these texts, it’s essential to delete it right away and avoid clicking on any links or responding to the message. The FBI is actively investigating this series of smishing scams, and anyone who receives one of these texts is encouraged to report it through the Internet Crime Complaint Center. While it can be unsettling to receive such a message, it’s always better to verify the legitimacy of any toll charges by contacting the official toll agency directly or checking your account on their verified website.

Accidentally clicking on the link or providing personal information can lead to further complications, but quick action can help mitigate the damage. Secure your accounts immediately and report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card provider. If unfamiliar charges appear, it’s crucial to dispute them as soon as possible.

As the scam continues to spread, staying alert is the best defense. Many local law enforcement agencies and toll authorities are issuing warnings to the public. By recognizing the signs of the scam and reporting suspicious messages, individuals can help limit the success of these fraud attempts. Keeping a close eye on the details and avoiding any message that seems off will go a long way in protecting your personal and financial information.

This scam isn’t just an isolated problem in a few states; it has grown into a nationwide issue. As scammers continue to evolve their methods, staying informed and sharing awareness is key to preventing more victims from falling into their trap.