How to know if a toll bill text is real, or part of a scam flagged by FBI
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority and the FBI are warning about a new scam going around involving toll roads.
An alert by Federal investigators says there have been more than 2,000 complaints about this scam since early March.
People are getting a text asking them to click on a link and pay a toll bill to avoid a late fee. But the alert says that link goes to a site created to impersonate a state’s toll road service.
This has not happened in North Carolina to the Turnpike Authority’s knowledge. However, because the FBI alert says the scam appears to be moving from state-to-state, officials here are preparing for it.
In a release sent first to 5 On Your Side, the NC Turnpike Authority says the targeted phone numbers in this scam seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.
They say there are two easy ways to know if the text you’re getting about a toll bill is legitimate or not.
- NC Quick Pass will never request payment by text
- All links associated with NC Quick Pass will include ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com.
According to the FBI, the scam text resembles this: (State Toll Service Name): We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50, visit myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.
The FBI says if you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested:
- File a complaint with the IC3, ic3.gov, be sure to include:
- The phone number from where the text originated.
- The website listed within the text
- Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
- Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
- Delete any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
