Text scams targeting toll payments are on the rise, prompting warnings from state transportation departments in Idaho, Iowa, and Wisconsin about fraudulent attempts to solicit money.
“We’re hearing from our DMV counterparts that Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York were hit with this scam last week. Given the number of calls we’re getting from DMV customers, it’s likely Wisconsin is the next target,” said Tina Braddy, Director of Wisconsin DMV Bureau of Driver Services, in a statement. “We want to protect our residents, so we are quickly issuing this alert to ensure fewer fall victim to these scams.”
What the Scammers Want
These text scams commonly demand payment for unpaid tolls or, more recently, traffic violations. They often use fear tactics, threatening legal action to coerce individuals into making urgent payments. To enhance credibility, many fraudulent texts are designed to appear as though they’re sent by state agencies.
The issue is even more apparent in Iowa, which doesn’t have toll roads, making the demand for “unpaid tolls” an immediate red flag. States such as Missouri and Oregon have also reported scams using vague claims of “traffic violations” to collect personal information.
“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and using fear tactics to get people to click on fake links or provide personal information,” explained Lisa McClellan, Idaho DMV Administrator.
How to Stay Safe
If you receive a suspicious text regarding unpaid tolls or traffic violations, here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Be wary of messages demanding money or urgent action.
- Never share personal information via unsolicited emails or messages.
- Avoid responding to the scam or clicking on suspicious links.
- If you receive a phone call, hang up and block the number.
- Report scam texts, calls, or emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
A recent Facebook post by the North Carolina Department of Transportation included examples of these scam texts, pointing out their common red flags.
By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can avoid falling prey to these increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes.
Source: Land Line
