If you receive an SMS message from a toll service, stating that you owe $12.51 in unpaid fees and that if you don't act quickly, you will be assessed an additional $50 fine, don't worry, it's not real.
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's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received more than 2,000 complaints about fraudulent texts representing the highway toll collection service of at least three states,” the FBI said. .
Don't act
The message says “(State Toll Service Name): We have noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a $50.00 late payment fee, please visit to settle your balance.”
So far, only certain regions of the US have been affected, and the FBI speculates that this means the scam is spreading from state to state and that drivers in other regions could soon receive a similar SMS message. If that happens, the law enforcement agency says victims should file a complaint with IC3 and include the scammer's phone number and website listed in the message.
Those who suspect, if they really have unpaid tolls, should verify their account using the service's legitimate website (instead of clicking on the link provided in the SMS message) or by dialing the toll service's customer service phone number .
Among those impersonated in this campaign was the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which later directly warned drivers: “Some customers have received attempted phishing text messages claiming to be from PA Turnpike Toll Services.” beepcomputer he cited the warning. “If you receive such a text message, which provides you with a link to pay an outstanding toll, do not click on the link and delete the text.”
