“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 Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has reported that individuals across multiple area codes have received deceptive messages likely generated by automated “robo-texting systems.” These texts instruct recipients to make payments via fake websites.

A Clear Warning from Officials

“The Ohio Turnpike does not request its customers to make payments by text,” the commission clarified. Additionally, it noted that any collections for unpaid tolls or violations are not conducted via text messages.

For secure transactions, customers are urged to use the commission’s official websites, EZpassOH.com and OhioTurnpike.org, which are the only platforms associated with Ohio Turnpike’s E-ZPass accounts.

A History of Scam Alerts

Unfortunately, text scams like these are not new to Ohio. The commission previously issued three different scam alerts in 2024, with the latest warning being made public in August. The ongoing nature of these scams underscores the importance of remaining vigilant.

What to Do if Targeted by a Scam

If you’ve received a suspicious text message about unpaid tolls, here’s what officials recommend you do immediately:

• Delete the Scam Text: Avoid clicking on any links in the message.

• Protect Your Accounts: If you’ve accidentally clicked on a fraudulent link and provided sensitive information, contact your bank or credit card provider to secure your financial accounts.

• Report the Scam: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, including details such as the phone number and any website links provided in the message.

• Verify Tolls via Official Channels: If you suspect you have unpaid tolls, check your account directly through Ohio Turnpike’s verified websites or customer service line.

Rising Reports of Toll Payment Scams Nationwide

Ohio is not alone in dealing with these scams. Maryland officials issued a similar warning in January about “smishing” attempts, a technique that uses text messages to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Reports from South Carolina have also highlighted comparable fraudulent schemes.

A Broader Problem and National Message

Across the country, toll agencies are urging customers to stay alert. Last year, the E-ZPass Group, a coalition of toll agencies from 19 states, issued a statement cautioning customers about ongoing scam attempts via text messages, advising them to ensure their personal and financial information remains secure.

This concerning trend has also caught the attention of federal authorities. In April of last year, the FBI reported receiving over 2,000 complaints in just one month relating to toll payment scams across three states. Their advice to the public is straightforward—never click on unsolicited links and immediately delete any suspicious messages.

If you’d like to report a scam, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center provides a website. Be sure to include both the sender’s phone number and any links featured in the text.

Source: Land Line

The post Scammers Target Toll Users with Fake Payment Requests appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.