“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

The post State Departments of Transportation Warn Residents About Latest Text Scams appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has confirmed that these messages are scams. Several members have reported receiving them. OOIDA emphasized that the correspondence did not come from their organization or fuel card partners.

WEX, OOIDA’s official fuel card partner, has reiterated that it will never send unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information such as account numbers, card details, or PIN codes. The company advises deleting these emails immediately upon receipt.

“Many businesses have experienced increasingly sophisticated and numerous phishing attacks through emails and phone calls to obtain their online account credentials,” stated WEX. “Never click on email links or give up your credentials over the phone to unverified sources.”

Protect Yourself From Scammers

Fraud tactics constantly evolve, but you can reduce the risk of falling victim by following basic security tips. Here’s how to safeguard your accounts and personal information from scams:

• Stay Alert for Suspicious Messages: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to require urgent action.
• Guard Your Personal Information: Never share account numbers, card details, passwords, or temporary codes with anyone.
• Avoid Clicking on Unverified Links: Do not click on links in unexpected emails or texts. Instead, contact the company directly using a trusted and verified phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
• Verify Requests Independently: If someone requests payment or sensitive details, always double-check the legitimacy by contacting the company or individual through official channels.
• Don’t Rely on Embedded Contact Information: Details provided in suspicious messages could be fake. Use verified contact information from trusted sources like official websites.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: This will add an extra layer of security to your accounts, particularly those containing sensitive or financial data.
• Monitor Account Activity Regularly: Review statements, transaction history, and online activity to catch suspicious behavior quickly.
• Check Account Access Controls: Ensure only authorized users have access to your accounts and associated purchasing methods.

Get Help If You Suspect a Scam

WEX provides round-the-clock customer support to assist customers. If you’re targeted by a phishing attempt, contact WEX’s 24/7 customer service at 833-225-5939. Always reference the phone number on your card or invoice to guarantee you’re speaking with the correct department.

By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and your accounts from scams that rely on exploiting trust and urgency. Stay secure, stay informed, and always verify before you act.

Source: Land Line

The post OOIDA Issues Warning About Fuel Card Phishing Scam appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to OOIDA, which advocates for small-business truckers, several members have reported receiving deceptive emails aimed at stealing a motor carrier’s authority.

These scam emails, posing as official communication from FMCSA, contain attachments labeled as MCSA-5889 or MCS-150 forms and request the recipient’s USDOT PIN.

“Although the emails come from a .gov domain, these emails are not from FMCSA,” says Crystal Minardi from OOIDA’s Business Services. “FMCSA will never ask you for your PIN on a manual form. We are advising our members not to reply.”

Instances of this scam have already been brought to FMCSA’s attention. If you receive such an email, do not fill out the attached form or respond.

If you believe your company has fallen victim to this fraud or identity theft, visit FMCSA’s website and click on the Fraud Advisory link to report the incident. Additionally, victims should contact the DOT Office of Inspector General by calling 800-424-9071 or emailing hotline@oig.dot.gov.

Source: Land Line

The post Beware of Fraudulent Emails Targeting Truckers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In a post shared on Facebook, the Authority underscored that neither E-ZPass nor Tolls By Mail would ever solicit sensitive personal information via email. They made it clear that details such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, usernames, or passwords are never requested through email or any other unsolicited contact.

“If you are contacted by anyone stating that they are from E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail and they are seeking personal information, please do not provide the information requested,” the Authority warned.

For those needing assistance, support is available through E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 E-ZPass NY or Tolls By Mail at 1-844-826-8400 Tolls By Mail NY.

Additionally, incidents can be reported to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting IC3.

Remain vigilant and protect your personal information by being aware of these deceitful email tactics.

Source: Truckers News

The post Important Notice from NYS Thruway Authority: Beware of E-ZPass and Tolls By Mail Email Scams appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The E-ZPass program includes toll agencies and firms in 19 states and boasts a total of 53 million E-ZPass devices.

In a recent statement, the E-ZPass Group disclosed that the scam involves enticing customers to divulge personal and financial details on a counterfeit website. The fraudulent text, which claims it’s from “E-ZPass Toll Services,” includes a link for settling an alleged overdue toll to avoid penalties.

E-ZPass emphasized the deceptive nature of these messages, clearly stating that any toll account details provided are false and that this is a scam that users should not interact with. Recipients of these texts are urged not to click embedded links and then to delete the messages promptly.

“Scam attacks through emails and text messaging are on the rise in our country, and protecting the safety of E-ZPass customer information is of paramount importance to us,” said PJ Wilkins, E-ZPass Group executive director. “We will continue to work with our partnering states to alert our customers of any criminal activity that places them at risk, and we encourage E-ZPass customers to be vigilant in ensuring that their personal and financial information is not compromised by falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.”

Those who have already clicked on the link and submitted information are advised to notify their financial institution and inform E-ZPass of any inaccuracies in their account details.

The FBI has previously alerted the public to a surge in such fraudulent texts targeting toll road users, receiving over 2,000 complaints related to scam texts impersonating toll collection services.

Victims can report incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center via ic3.gov.

Source: Land Line

The post E-ZPass Scam Targeting Trucking Industry – How to Protect Your Sensitive Information appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Since early March, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received over 2,000 complaints regarding fraudulent text messages, a tactic known as smishing, supposedly representing toll collection services in at least three states.

Smishing involves the use of deceptive text messages to manipulate individuals into downloading malware, divulging sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.

Information from IC3 complaints suggests that this scam may be spreading across state lines. The text messages typically allege unpaid toll fees and utilize nearly identical language across multiple complaints.

While the claimed “outstanding toll amount” remains consistent, the links provided within the messages mimic the names of state toll services, and the associated phone numbers vary between states. A typical example of these smishing texts is as follows:

(State Toll Service Name): We have identified an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 linked to your account. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, please visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.

If you receive such a text, the FBI advises taking the following steps:

• File a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Include the phone number from which the text originated and the website mentioned in the message.
• Verify your account status through the legitimate website of the toll service in question.
• Contact the customer service phone number provided by the toll service.
• Delete any smishing texts you receive.
• If you click on any links or share your information, take measures to safeguard your personal and financial data. Challenge any unauthorized charges that appear.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post New Toll Road Text Messaging Scam is Affecting Professional Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Here’s how it works: Scammers are taking advantage of a recent temporary adjustment made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The adjustment requires carriers to submit a copy of their commercial driver’s license when updating their MCS-150 through the manual form. This information is used to confirm the DOT number’s owner.

Unfortunately, scammers have spotted an opportunity. Since the adjustment took effect, Minardi’s department has received multiple calls from carriers who were approached by brokers on load boards, asking for a copy of their CDL before accepting a load.

“If you’re dealing with a reputable broker, they are not going to ask you for a copy of your driver’s license… if they’re requesting it, that’s a red flag,” Minardi said. “You need to look further into it.”

These scammers can then manipulate your CDL to alter your MCS-150 details and take over your DOT number. This puts you at risk of unknowingly taking on fraudulent loads or engaging in double-brokering.

“It’s a nightmare for the carrier,” she said.

Be vigilant and cautious about who you work with and the information you share to prevent falling victim to scams. Once a scam like this occurs, there is limited recourse available. It is essential to stay alert and protect yourself from potential fraud.

“Once the damage is done, it’s a lot to go through, and you may never recover, unfortunately.”

If you fall victim to a scam, it is important to take immediate action. First, report the issue to your insurance company and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the National Consumer Complaint Database. Secondly, raise awareness among other carriers by posting about the scam on social media and websites.

To help stay vigilant of possible fraudulent activity, Minardi suggest that carriers:

• Check their DOT number regularly
• Be mindful of who you’re working with
• Book directly through shippers to avoid shady brokers
• Vet all brokers through the FMCSA’s SAFER website and by completing a credit check
• Call OOIDA’s business services department with questions or concerns

Source: Land Line

The post A New Scam Targeting Truckers Could Spell Financial Disaster appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.