Drivers nationwide have been receiving fraudulent texts claiming they have unpaid toll fees, but the texts are a scam designed to steal one’s data.
Why It Matters
Millions are at risk of being scammed due to the fraudulent texts, which can appear authentic if you drive throughout the states targeted by the scams. Those who fall for them can end up compromising their identity information if they engage with the fraudsters.
What To Know
Drivers nationwide have been hit with texts claiming they have unpaid toll fees, including in Massachusetts, Texas and California.
TxTag Scam Texts Hit Texas Drivers
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has noted an uptick in the scam texts, which began in spring and have escalated since September, TxDOT said in a press release. The texts claim to come from TxTag, a toll revenue service operated by TxDOT.
Although TxTag does text its customers, it will not send texts regarding final payments or past due balances. TxTag will text or email customers about other matters, but a customer must opt in to receive these messages. Any real texts from TxTag will come from the number 22498.
Newsweek reached out to TxDOT via email for comment.
EZDriveMA Scam Texts Hit Massachusetts Drivers
On the East Coast, Massachusetts drivers are facing a similar scam.
E-ZPass or EZDriveMA, is Massachusetts’ toll system. The scam texts are targeting drivers with messages saying that they owe a small amount in unpaid tolls need to pay it immediately.
Once users click on the link in the text, they’ll be directed to a site that steals their personal and financial information.
Officials are urging people against engaging with the texts or clicking on any links.
E-ZPass never sends out text messages, so if you receive a text, delete it immediately.
FasTrak Toll Scam Texts Hit California Drivers
The fraudulent texts have also been received by people who drive through California’s FasTrak toll system.
The FasTrak scam texts have been reported to create a false sense of urgency, asking drivers to pay their tolls by a specific date or risk further fines or even the loss of their driver’s license.
In some instances, FasTrak is misspelled as FastTrack, a clear sign that the message originated from a scammer.
What People Are Saying
Efrat Tabibi, head of data science and analytics at Guardio, previously told Newsweek: “Toll fees are increasing to pay for road repairs and improvements. Unfortunately, this has also led to more toll fee scams, as scammers take advantage of the high number of real toll transactions and create fake messages to trick people.”
Jen Martin, head of fraud and claims at Citizens, previously told Newsweek: “Scammers collect victims’ identity information to commit identity theft, such as opening bank accounts, credit cards, and loans. A stolen identity can take years to resolve, so it is crucial to protect your information from potential scams. Additionally, the payment information collected will be used to make fraudulent purchases.”
What Happens Next
State agencies are working to have the fraudulent websites taken down. If you receive one of the scam texts, officials urge you to report it as spam, then delete it.
The post List of Scam Texts Hitting Drivers Across the US appeared first on Newsweek.
