A recent wave of fraudulent text messages has swept across the United States, posing as toll payment reminders. These deceptive communications are targeting individuals nationwide, urging them to pay supposed unpaid toll fees or provide personal information. Government agencies and toll service providers have issued warnings, advising caution against clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive data. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 2,000 complaints related to these scams in the past year, with numbers continuing to rise.

Scammers Exploit Toll Payment Systems Nationwide

In the midst of a busy autumn, citizens from coast to coast are encountering unsolicited text messages demanding payment for allegedly unpaid tolls. These messages often originate from unfamiliar area codes and email addresses, prompting recipients to either click on provided links or reply with personal details. Authorities warn that this scam is not isolated to one region; it has been reported in multiple states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and California.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of public safety and urging residents to be vigilant. She stressed that legitimate toll services like E-ZPass would never request sensitive information via text or email. In 2023 alone, New York recorded nearly 27,000 internet crime complaints, resulting in losses totaling $750 million, with senior citizens being the most frequently targeted group.

Protecting Yourself Against Smishing Scams

To safeguard against these scams, experts recommend several precautionary measures. Avoid interacting with any messages from unrecognized sources, refrain from clicking on suspicious links, and promptly delete such texts. Ensuring your smart device’s operating system and security applications are up-to-date can provide an additional layer of protection. Installing anti-malware software is also advisable for enhanced security.

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a smishing scam, it’s crucial to report the incident to law enforcement and file complaints with both the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission. For those who receive questionable messages claiming to be from E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail, contacting their respective customer service centers directly is recommended.

Ultimately, staying informed and exercising caution can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to these deceptive practices. As technology advances, so too do the methods employed by scammers, making vigilance more important than ever.