In recent months, there has been a notable increase in scam text messages warning individuals about unpaid toll bills. These messages threaten penalties such as fines and the potential loss of driver’s licenses for nonpayment. The alarming rise in these scams reflects a broader trend in digital fraud, demonstrating that even major tech companies like Apple and Google struggle to combat such practices effectively.

Understanding the Surge in Toll Road Fraud

A report by cybersecurity firm Trend Micro revealed a staggering 900% increase in searches related to “toll road fraud” over the last three months. It indicates that more people are becoming aware of, and potentially falling victim to, these deceptive messages. Furthermore, research from McAfee showed that incidents of toll fraud text messages quadrupled between early January and the end of February.

Mechanisms of the Scam

According to John Clay, the vice president of threat and intelligence at Trend Micro, the effectiveness of these scams is apparent: “It’s clearly working. They’re making the victims pay for it.” Despite Apple iPhone’s built-in features designed to detect and block suspicious links in text messages, scammers have adapted their tactics by prompting users to respond with a simple “Y.” This response can reopen dialogues and include dangerous links.

Even though reporting these numbers or blocking them may seem like viable solutions, scammers can easily change their phone numbers and continue targeting victims.

Government Response and Consumer Awareness

In response to the escalating threat, the FBI issued a public service announcement in April 2024 after receiving over 2,000 complaints from multiple states. Victims have been advised to report such scam texts to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published an alert in January that warned consumers against unverified text messages regarding unpaid tolls. Likewise, notable authorities such as the Virginia DMV, the California Attorney General, and the Illinois Tollway have independently issued warnings about these scams.

How Do Scammers Operate?

Scammers operate by acquiring vast numbers of phone numbers and registering multiple web domains aimed at taking advantage of unsuspecting users. Some of these domains are specifically linked to well-known toll systems, such as Peach Pass in Georgia or E-ZPass in New York, while others are generic like FastTrak.

Threat investigator Censys estimates there may be over 60,000 domains actively involved in perpetuating these toll schemes. The ultimate objective is less about immediate financial gain and more focused on harvesting personal information, which criminals can exploit for various illicit activities.

Protecting Yourself Against Toll Fraud Texts

To safeguard your personal information from this type of fraud, here are crucial steps to take:

• Do not click on any links provided in suspicious texts.
• Avoid responding to the messages; it may confirm your number is active.
• Delete the message immediately to avoid potential risks.