The FBI has issued a new warning of a phishing scam targeting Americans using toll roads via text message.
Called “smishing” (a hacking scam carried out using fake SMS text messages), the FBI said it had received more than 2,000 complaints in three different states from people who said they had been contacted via text messages and received tolls not paid.
The FBI estimates the system has been active since early March.
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“(State Toll Service Name): We noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record,” reads an example of the fake message. “To avoid a $50.00 late fee, please visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to pay your balance.”
“Smishing,” which is a portmanteau of the words “phishing” and “SMS,” involves using fake links to trick victims into “downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cyber criminals.”
The FBI said the messages came from numbers from all different states, but did not specify the three states affected so far.
However, Pennsylvania State Police issued a warning to residents and visitors earlier this month, making it clear that this was one of the affected states.
“On Sunday afternoon, the PA Turnpike was made aware of a scam targeting Pennsylvania residents with text messages requesting personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts,” the organization warned. “Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country in recent days.”
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Those who think they have been affected by the program are encouraged file an online complaint with IC3 and include the phone number the fake message came from, as well as the link used in the message.
Victims should also delete any “smishing” SMS they receive and check their actual toll balance by using the toll service’s legitimate website or by calling customer service.