FBI issues multi-state alert for toll road users

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a “smishing” scam alert for toll road users.

The FBI reports receiving more than 2000 complaints about a text scam targeting toll road users in at least three states. The agency believes that the scam could be “moving from state-to-state.”

Officials say that users are receiving text messages that appear to be coming from toll road collection services claiming that the recipient owes a certain outstanding toll amount. The text messages provide a link created to impersonate the state’s toll service name.

See the example below.

The scam is a “smishing” attempt, or “a social engineering attack using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.”

If you have received one of these texts, the FBI recommends that you take the following steps:

If you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested:

1. File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), www.ic3.gov, be sure to include:
   1. The phone number from where the text originated.
   2. The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.