A recent surge of unsolicited text messages has been flooding the phones of Americans, falsely claiming they owe unpaid tolls and E-ZPass bills. According to experts who spoke to NBC News, this is the result of a sophisticated online syndicate of Chinese-speaking scammers. These scammers sell cybercrime kits on Telegram that are designed to steal credit card information and personal data. The typical scam involves a text stating the recipient has missed a toll payment, owes a small fee that could increase if left unpaid, and includes a link to a fraudulent payment site. Authorities in states like New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana have issued warnings, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has logged over 60,000 reports of this scam. Despite the scale, U.S. officials have not identified the source, with some, like Jennifer Givner of the New York State Thruway Authority, admitting they’re unsure who’s behind it, only that it’s persistent and evolving.
Understanding Smishing and Text Scams
Smishing, a term that combines “SMS” and “phishing,” refers to the use of fake text messages to trick people into believing they owe toll fees. These texts often link to counterfeit payment portals that appear authentic. Clicking the link and entering personal details can result in financial loss, malware installation, or identity theft. The danger lies in their sophistication; scammers replicate official toll agency branding, use urgent wording like “Pay now or face penalties,” and even spoof phone numbers to seem genuine.
The Prevalence of Toll Scam Texts
The toll scam has escalated, with federal agencies like the FTC and FBI sounding alarms. Reports of these fraudulent messages have increased significantly since early 2024. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) notes that the 60,000+ complaints likely underrepresent the issue, as many victims don’t report small losses or fail to recognize the scam. Cybersecurity experts suggest the true number of affected individuals could be much higher.
Why Toll Scams Are on the Rise
Several factors contribute to the increase in these scams:
* The dominance of digital tolling systems: Cash toll booths are becoming fewer, and digital payments are now the norm in many states.
* Increased trust in mobile transactions: People are more likely to manage their finances via phones, making them more receptive to urgent toll alerts.
* Refined tactics by scammers: Organized crime groups send mass messages from international numbers, complicating efforts to trace them.
How Scammers Make Their Messages Appear Legitimate
Fraudsters employ clever tactics to boost credibility:
* Using real agency names: They reference familiar brands like E-ZPass or SunPass.
* Crafting near-identical URLs: Bogus sites mimic official ones, often with subtle differences like an extra letter.
* Creating urgency: Phrases like “Final Notice!” or “Act now to avoid fines” pressure victims into quick action.
Responding to Unpaid Toll Scam Texts
If you receive a suspicious toll-related text, take these steps:
* Avoid clicking links: This prevents malware or data theft.
* Verify directly: Visit your toll agency’s official website to check your account.
* Report it: Send the text to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
* Block the sender: Stop further messages by blocking the number.
Protecting Yourself from Toll Scam Messages
Stay ahead of scammers with these precautions:
Enable spam filters: Use your phone’s built-in tools to block suspicious texts.
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