ATLANTA — Georgia Peach Pass officials are sharing a warning to toll users to be on the lookout for scam text messages claiming drivers owe money for unpaid tolls.
In a warning posted to the agency's customer information site, officials shared information from the FBI about the "growing wave" of SMS "attacks" on toll road users.
According to the warning from the FBI, the federal agency's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has reportedly received more than 2,000 complaints since March of fraudulent texts claiming to be from toll collection services. So far, the scam texts have surfaced in at least three states -- but it could be moving from state to state.
According to the FBI, the texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language from state to state:
"(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 “outstanding toll amount” has been similar among the complaints reported to the FBI. However, the agency added the link provided in the text is changed to impersonate the state’s toll service name. Officials said the phone numbers the messages are sent from appear to change between states.
Fake toll messages: What should you do?
Those who receive one of these texts are urged to do the following:
- File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, be sure to include. Be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated, 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 any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, make efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.