ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — Drivers in at least three states who use toll roads have received fraudulent texts from scammers trying to gather peoples' sensitive data and credit card numbers.
The E-470 Public Highway Authority sent notices to its users about the growing "smishing" scam after the FBI sent out warnings.
Smishing uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals, according to the FBI.
E-470 officials said neither their company nor ExpressToll collects payment or other personal information through texts.
E-470 users should not click on any links if they do receive a text claiming to be from E-470 or ExpressToll.
The FBI shared an example of a fraudulent text:
(State Toll Service Name): We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.
“The Authority is taking all measures to ensure that our network remains secure, and that customer information continues to be protected," Rod Taylor, E-470’s director of technology, said. "We just ask that everyone is mindful of these fraudulent texts and responds as directed by the FBI.”
If someone does receive a scam text, the FBI said people need to do the following:
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3) at ic3.gov. Users need to provide the scam phone number and the website listed within the text.
- Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
- Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
- Delete the smishing texts.
If a user does click on a link from a smishing text, they need to make every effort to secure their personal information and financial accounts.
The FBI said they've received more than 2,000 toll road smishing complaints from at least three states. The scam may be moving from state to state, the FBI said.
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