Warning: Scam Text Messages Targeting Drivers—What You Need to Know
A new text message scam is making the rounds, targeting drivers by falsely claiming they have unpaid toll fees. These messages appear legitimate, often pressuring recipients to click a link and make an immediate payment. However, it’s a trap designed to steal personal and financial information.
How the Scam Works
- You receive a text message stating you owe unpaid toll fees and need to pay immediately.
- The message includes a link that takes you to a website designed to look like an official toll payment portal.
- You enter your personal or payment details, unknowingly handing them over to scammers.
Official Warnings
Authorities are urging people to stay cautious.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a warning, emphasising that official toll agencies do not demand payments through random text messages.
- FasTrak, California’s toll system, has also confirmed that they never send payment requests via text with clickable links.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Ignore and delete suspicious texts. Do not click on any links.
✅ Verify directly with the toll agency. Use their official website or phone number.
✅ Report the scam: Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and file a report at www.ic3.gov.
Stay Alert!
These scams are becoming more sophisticated, so always double-check any payment requests before taking action. If you ever receive a questionable message about toll fees, it’s best to go straight to the official source instead of trusting a text message.
