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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 13, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FBI ( 24 ), florida ( 31 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), tolls   

  Florida Fights Back Against Toll Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers are becoming increasingly deceptive in their efforts to steal personal and financial information, and one of the more widespread schemes involves fraudulent text messages about unpaid toll fees. These messages often claim the recipient has an outstanding balance and must make an immediate payment to avoid hefty fines. The links provided in these messages lead to fake websites designed to harvest sensitive details such as credit card numbers and driver’s license information.

  The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been warning the public about these scams, which have been reported in multiple states. With thousands of complaints already filed, law enforcement agencies across the country continue to urge drivers to stay alert. This type of scam, known as ‘smishing’, uses deceptive text messages to trick individuals into clicking fraudulent links. The goal is to create a sense of urgency, convincing victims to act quickly before they have time to verify whether the claim is legitimate.

  Although this scam has targeted drivers nationwide, Florida has been hit particularly hard due to its extensive toll road network. Many residents and tourists have received text messages claiming to be from SunPass, the state’s toll collection system. In response, authorities in Florida have worked aggressively to combat the threat. Hundreds of fraudulent websites imitating SunPass have already been shut down as part of a coordinated effort to protect consumers.

  Despite the progress made in Florida, scammers continue to adapt their methods, and similar schemes remain active in other parts of the country. The key to avoiding these scams is recognizing that no legitimate toll agency will send text messages demanding payment. Official toll operators communicate through secure online accounts, mailed invoices, and authorized customer service channels.

  Anyone receiving a suspicious text about unpaid tolls should avoid clicking any links and instead check their account directly through the official website of their toll provider. Reporting these fraudulent messages to law enforcement and consumer protection agencies also helps authorities track and shut down new scam operations as they emerge.

  As digital threats continue to evolve, staying informed is the best defense. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate their victims, but by remaining cautious and verifying any unexpected messages, drivers can protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

   

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  Geebo 9:01 am on January 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: E-ZPass ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), text messaging ( 37 ), text scam ( 26 ), tolls   

  Stop Toll Text Scams in Their Tracks 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The rise in text message scams has created a pressing need for awareness, particularly for drivers who rely on automated tolling systems. Scammers are exploiting this technology by impersonating services like E-ZPass, SunPass, and others to trick users into revealing sensitive personal or financial information.

  Recent reports reveal a spike in fraudulent text messages, falsely claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls. These messages often use urgent language, warning about excessive fees or deadlines to avoid penalties. While the messages may seem legitimate, tolling agencies have consistently reiterated that they do not request payments through text messages or links sent via SMS. Legitimate communications typically occur through secure websites or official emails.

  The issue has become especially relevant in Ohio, where toll enforcement policies have recently shifted. The Ohio Turnpike has implemented late fees for unpaid tolls. Drivers who fail to pay their tolls within 30 days will incur a $5 late fee for each unpaid toll. These changes coincide with the rollout of Ohio’s automated tolling system, which has encountered some growing pains. While the new system allows E-ZPass users to bypass toll booths at highway speeds, drivers without E-ZPass must still use cash or credit card lanes to settle their tolls. This shift has created some confusion, which scammers are exploiting to send fraudulent messages targeting unsuspecting customers.

  These scams use ‘smishing’, a phishing attempt via SMS, to mimic official correspondence. They often include non-local phone numbers, emojis, or links to unverified websites. Clicking these links or sharing personal information can compromise financial accounts and lead to identity theft. Many scammers add urgency to their messages, hoping to pressure recipients into acting quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

  Tolling agencies and consumer protection organizations are urging drivers to remain vigilant. Verifying suspicious messages directly with tolling agencies through their official websites or customer service channels is essential. Ignoring these messages is often the best approach, as any response confirms the validity of your phone number to scammers, potentially increasing the likelihood of future attacks.

  If you’ve already clicked on a suspicious link or shared personal information, immediate action is crucial. Changing account credentials, freezing credit, and contacting your bank can help mitigate potential damage. Reporting scams to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission or relevant state agencies aids in tracking and shutting down these fraudulent schemes.

  For Ohio drivers, understanding the new late fee structure and legitimate communication methods of the Ohio Turnpike is key to avoiding confusion. Official Ohio websites are the only trusted sources for E-ZPass payments. Any payment requests outside these platforms should be treated with skepticism.

  While it’s nearly impossible to prevent scam attempts entirely, being informed can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim. By recognizing the tactics scammers use, verifying payment requests independently, and staying calm under pressure, drivers can protect their personal information and financial security.

   
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  Geebo 9:01 am on January 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: E-ZPass ( 2 ), FasTrak, phishing ( 79 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), text scam ( 26 ), tolls   

  Toll Scams Sweeping the Nation Again 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Across the United States, drivers are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated toll payment scams. These scams often involve fraudulent text messages or emails claiming unpaid tolls. The messages aim to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links and providing sensitive personal and financial information. Authorities and tolling agencies nationwide are warning drivers to stay vigilant and protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.

  In California, text scams have surged, falsely claiming to be from FasTrak, the state’s electronic toll collection system. The messages often direct recipients to websites that appear legitimate but are operated by scammers. These websites ask for banking or credit card information, exploiting unsuspecting users. Official tolling agencies in California emphasize that they do not send text messages to individuals without accounts and never request payments through unsolicited links.

  South Florida drivers have also reported similar schemes. Fraudulent messages, often labeled as ‘final reminders’, urge recipients to copy and paste links into their browsers to resolve alleged unpaid tolls. The realistic appearance of these scams, from their professional-looking websites to the urgent tone of their messages, has made them particularly effective. Local transportation officials have reiterated that they do not request payments or account actions via text messages.

  In New York, E-ZPass users have been targeted by messages claiming to be from ‘NY Toll Services’. These messages ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth, details that legitimate toll services never request. Officials have reminded drivers to only use authorized websites for account management and toll payments.

  The problem isn’t confined to these regions. Similar scams have been reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and other parts of the country. These widespread schemes often exploit the increasing reliance on electronic toll collection systems, taking advantage of the convenience and automation that make such systems attractive to drivers.

  The scams share common tactics: a sense of urgency, professional presentation, and the impersonation of trusted entities. Cybersecurity experts urge individuals to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages, especially those prompting immediate action. Carefully inspecting sender information, avoiding unfamiliar links, and independently verifying claims by contacting tolling agencies through official channels can go a long way in preventing fraud.

  Those who suspect they have encountered a toll scam are encouraged to report it to federal authorities, including the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Additionally, anyone who may have inadvertently shared personal or financial information should take immediate steps to secure their accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

  As these scams continue to evolve, awareness is the most effective defense. By recognizing the signs of phishing attempts and relying only on official communication channels, drivers can safeguard their information and help curb the impact of these nationwide toll scams.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), text messaging ( 37 ), text scam ( 26 ), tolls   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: EZ Pass, Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), tolls   

  Toll text scams continue across the country 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Across the nation, drivers are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated scam texts and emails claiming to collect unpaid tolls. These fraudulent messages exploit the routine nature of toll payments to trick recipients into making payments to fake websites. As this issue grows more prevalent, it highlights the importance of being vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to these scams.

  In New York, many residents have reported receiving text messages that appear to be from New York toll services. The messages warn of an unpaid toll invoice and threaten an additional charge of $150 if the alleged balance of $5.89 is not paid promptly. The scam directs users to a fraudulent website that closely mimics the official site.

  Residents have been sharing their experiences on social media, helping to raise awareness. The New York State Thruway Authority has been actively warning about this “smishing” scam on its social media platforms and website. They advise anyone receiving such messages to verify their toll accounts directly through official channels and report suspicious messages to the FBI.

  Similarly, the Ohio Turnpike and other toll-road agencies in the northeastern United States are dealing with a surge of fraudulent texts and emails. These messages claim to be from Ohio Turnpike Tolls Services and instruct recipients to pay $9.75 via a fake website to avoid additional charges of $97.50.

  Many recipients are not even Ohio Turnpike customers, highlighting the broad reach of this scam. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has clarified that they only use paper invoices sent via U.S. Mail for unpaid tolls. Emails are sent solely to E-ZPass tag holders regarding account status, such as insufficient funds or credit card issues. They never use text messaging to solicit payments.

  Always verify the source of any message asking for payment by using official websites or contacting customer service directly. Look for red flags, like incorrect URLs or unexpected payment requests. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, and navigate to official websites by typing the address into your browser. Report any suspicious messages to the relevant authorities and follow updates from official toll agencies on social media and their websites to stay informed about ongoing scams. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. When in doubt, verify the message through official channels before taking any action.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 158 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), text scam ( 26 ), tolls   

  Beware of smishing: The rise of text message toll scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In an era where digital communication is ubiquitous, scams have adapted to exploit every possible avenue, including text messaging. Recent reports from various states across the US indicate a surge in smishing scams, particularly targeting drivers with fake toll payment demands. These scams, a fusion of SMS (short message service) and phishing, aim to deceive recipients into sharing sensitive personal information or making fraudulent payments. Let’s delve deeper into this growing trend and explore ways to safeguard against such deceitful schemes.

  Smishing, short for SMS phishing, leverages text messages to trick individuals into divulging personal information or making payments to fraudulent entities. The recent wave of smishing scams targeting toll road users follows a similar pattern across different states.

  Victims receive text messages purporting to be from toll collection services, such as state tollway authorities or tolling agencies like E-ZPass or SunPass. The messages claim the recipient owes a specific amount for unpaid tolls, often accompanied by threats of additional late fees if not paid promptly. Scammers include links in the messages, supposedly directing recipients to settle their balances. However, these links lead to counterfeit websites designed to harvest personal and financial information. Despite variations in content and targeted states, the core strategy remains consistent, preying on the urgency and fear of incurring penalties to coerce victims into taking immediate action.

  To combat smishing attempts and protect against falling victim to these scams, it’s essential to remain vigilant and adopt proactive strategies.

  Rather than clicking on embedded links, independently verify the authenticity of any outstanding toll charges by accessing official toll service websites or contacting customer service directly. Avoid engaging with suspicious texts or providing personal information.

  Be wary of unsolicited text messages, especially those urging urgent actions or containing grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution when encountering unexpected requests for payment or personal details.

  Report smishing attempts to relevant authorities, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. By reporting such incidents, you safeguard yourself and contribute to efforts to combat cybercrime and protect others from falling prey to similar scams.

  The proliferation of smishing scams targeting toll road users underscores the importance of exercising caution and skepticism in today’s digital landscape. By verifying the legitimacy of messages, and promptly reporting suspicious activity, individuals can fortify their defenses against fraudulent schemes.