If you happen to bought a textual content message urging you to pay tolls by means of a linked web site, be careful — it’s virtually definitely a rip-off.
“The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country,” the company wrote in an emailed warning. “The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.”
The division’s recommendation is straightforward: “Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.”
The FBI says a typical rip-off textual content would appear to be this: “(State Toll Service Name): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.”
MassDOT says that focused cellphone numbers seem like chosen at random and usually are not essentially subscribers to Massachusetts’ EZDrive toll system or some other state’s equal program.
“MassDOT urges customers to be cautious about email, text, and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding toll balances,” the warning states. “Some attempts have been made to trick customers into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information by directing them to a website to pay their outstanding balances.”
MassDOT says that EZDriveMA won’t ever ship invoices or request cost by means of textual content message and if this system does ever ship a textual content, the online handle will embody EZDriveMA.com and no different area.
This kind of rip-off is named “smishing,” which is a portmanteau of “phishing” — which is the umbrella time period for any cons trying to get targets to obtain malware, share delicate data or pay cash — and SMS, or “short message service,” which is a typical texting protocol, in accordance with the FBI.
The FBI Web Crime Grievance Middle, or IC3, states that it has obtained 1000’s of stories of smishing scams since March of final yr. Those that have been focused by a rip-off can report it at IC3.gov.
