Drivers warned about ‘toll balance’ text message stealing their money – bank drain scheme stems from worrying cause

SCAMMERS are sending fraudulent text messages posing as toll authorities, urging drivers to pay the outstanding balance or face fines.

In addition to a convincing message, a seemingly harmless link is attached that directs recipients to a fake payment site.

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In the Bronx, New York, a new scam targeting commuters using E-ZPass is gaining popularity.

Text messages from scammers warning of overdue balances are being sent to drivers, urging them to pay using a link in the text to pay before being fined for being late.

The payment site is convincing but fake and encourages drivers to enter banking and personal information.

With this personal information, scammers can use it to steal someone’s identity or gain access to funds.

New Yorkers aren’t the only East Coast E-ZPass users to fall victim to the scam.

Maryland drivers are also reporting the scam, reporting similar verbiage following a fake link to a payment site.

Philadelphia drivers reported to FOX affiliate WTFX-TV that they were also receiving phishing messages.

E-ZPass warns drivers that it will never alert them of past due balance via text message and if the fake text is received, to delete it and report it to the FBI Internet Crimes Division.

The division reported that a scam stemming from fraudulent text messages related to unpaid toll balances is growing across the country, with 2,000 complaints filed.

E-ZPass Group Executive Director PJ Wilkins wants drivers to know that the agency is working closely with authorities to find and punish scammers.

“We will continue to work with our partner states to alert our customers to any criminal activity that puts them at risk, and we encourage E-ZPass customers to be vigilant to ensure their personal and financial information is not compromised by falling victim to these fraudulent schemes “, he said to Keeping an eye on Anápolis.

Authorities told WTFX-TV that before you panic and click on links, it’s important to check your E-ZPass account online to assess whether or not you have an overdue balance.

If there is no overdue balance, the text must be informed and deleted.

The East Coast isn’t the only part of the country seeing an increase in phishing scams.

Illinois authorities warned drivers about a text that left drivers panicking about a $50 late fee if the overdue toll balance was not paid immediately.

Phone scam statistics

Americans are bombarded with three billion spam calls per month. What are the numbers regarding the number of victims and the amount of money lost to fraudsters

• In 2022, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone fraud, with 68.4 million US citizens affected, according to TechReport.
• The average phone scam victim lost $567.41 each in 2021, a huge increase from the figure of $182 per victim in 2021, according to Hiya.
• Most scams happen over the phone, with fraudsters twice as likely to call compared to text in 2021, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports.
• In 2021, the US saw a 56% increase in spam phone calls, with 60% of those robocalls.
• US residents receive an average of 18 spam phone calls per month, although some experts believe the real number could be as high as 31 per month.
• Many phone calls from reputable companies can be mistakenly marked as spam, but 38% of companies have no idea whether they are being marked as “potential fraud” or not, according to Hiya.
• Never provide personal or financial information if you suspect a phone call is a scam. For example, your bank will never ask for these full details over the phone.
• To reduce spam calls and scams, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers, by law, will need to check this list before calling you.
• Downloading third-party apps like Hiya, Nomorobo or Truecaller can help filter annoying spam calls.
• Try not to share your phone number unless necessary, especially online or with sketchy sources.

Bill Kresse, a professor at Governors State University, told the CBS affiliate WBBM that the purpose behind the messages is to create a sense of urgency or panic to hurry up and pay the fine.

“They’re not after the $12. They’re after emptying your bank account or increasing your credit card limit,” he said.

“This is an aggressive approach.”

He himself received a message – although he was smart enough not to click on the link.

“[The scammers are] sending a lot of these text messages – automated – so that if one percent of people respond and give them credit card information or bank information, they’re going to go after them,” he continued.

Before clicking on any link, it’s important to take a step back.

“Listen to that little voice. It will save you a lot of trouble. It will save you a lot money,” he said.