Have You Received a Suspicious Toll Fee Text? You’re Not Alone

Have you recently received a text message about an overdue toll fee? You’re not alone. What started as a seemingly simple nuisance has evolved into something far more sinister. Initial reports suggested a widespread scam, but cybersecurity experts are now raising alarms, labeling it a potential cyber attack linked to actors in China.

The setup is deceptively simple. You receive a text message, seemingly from E-ZPass, claiming you have an outstanding balance and threatening legal action if you don’t pay immediately. These messages often look slightly different, but the core tactic remains the same. To bypass Apple’s security features that block links from unknown contacts, the scammers prompt you to reply with a “Y.” Once you do, a web link appears, ready to lure you in.

And it’s not just iPhones! Android users are receiving these texts as well.

Here’s what happens if you click:

Clicking that link is where the real danger lies. The website looks legitimate enough to fool many people. It states you owe a small amount, often around $7, and prompts you to enter your contact information. After that, you’re directed to a payment page requesting your credit card details. This isn’t about the $7; it’s about obtaining your credit card information and personal details for identity theft.

You might wonder, why can’t someone put an end to these texts? It’s because the bad guys, in this case, suspected cyber scammers from China, have registered thousands and thousands of websites. Once a phishing site is exposed, they simply launch another. Another hint it’s a scam, is the TLD, or top-level domain, like .com or .net. Many of these scam sites use a TLD ending in “XIN,” a Chinese domain that can be registered cheaply.

Who the FBI says is behind the scam

The sheer volume of these phishing attempts indicates their effectiveness. Enough people fall for the scam to make it profitable. This underscores the importance of vigilance. Even if you’ve recently driven on a toll road, do not click any links or respond to these unsolicited texts. Delete them immediately.

The FBI has issued a consumer alert, confirming that this is a widespread cyber attack. The FBI says the scam has been reported over 60,000 times and there’s no estimate on how many people have fallen for the scam since many people are too embarrassed to report it. It’s crucial to stay informed and protect yourself. Be cautious of unexpected text messages, especially those demanding immediate payment. Double-check the legitimacy of any website before entering personal or financial information. Remember, if it feels suspicious, it probably is.

#Cybersecurity #ScamAlert #IdentityTheft #Phishing