High-tech scam targets these kinds of California motorists, officials warn
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) - State officials have issued a warning to motorists in California after seeing a spike in text-based toll charge scams demanding payment. The texts, according to a news release from State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office, claim drivers owe express lane or toll charges and are designed to trick recipients into following [...]
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) - State officials have issued a warning to motorists in California after seeing a spike in text-based toll charge scams demanding payment.
The texts, according to a news release from State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office, claim drivers owe express lane or toll charges and are designed to trick recipients into following a link to what falsely appears to be a legitimate tolling agency website where they enter their banking or credit card information.
“Scammers have become skilled at imitating legitimate companies, sometimes even linking to legitimate websites," AG Rob Bonta said. “Text-based toll charge scams are prevalent right now and knowing what to look for can keep consumers safe against these tactics.”
Authorities said that most of the text-based scams claim to be from FasTrak and link to a fraudulent website claiming to be operated by The Toll Roads.
FasTrak, the electronic toll collection system used on toll bridges, lanes and roads in California that allows drivers to electronically pay tolls without having to stop at toll booths, does not request payment by text with a link to a website, the release noted.
“The Toll Roads and other California tolling agencies do not send text messages to non-account holders,” authorities added.
For customers who use The Transportation Corridor Agencies, operator of The Toll Roads in Orange County, officials said they should verify a valid text notification by logging into their account at www.thetollroads.com or by using the services app.
A list of legitimate tolling agencies in California and their websites includes:
If motorists receive a possible toll scam text message, they are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Do not click the link
- Delete any scam texts received
- Check your account at your provider’s legitimate website
- File a complaint with the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission and the State AG’s Office
Motorists who might have already fallen prey to the sophisticated scam are encouraged to secure their personal information, financial accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges.
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