California warns consumers of surge in text message toll charge scams

Published on

CALIFORNIA – California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned drivers, January 2nd, of a significant increase in text-based toll scam activity. 

The texts in question claim consumers owe FasTrak express lane or toll charges, include a link to a website and ask for online payment.

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), since early-March 2024, it has received over 2,000 complaints reporting smishing texts representing road toll collection service from at least three states. 

Smishing – a combination of “SMS”— or “short message service,” and “phishing” is a social engineering attack using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.

Don’t click on links in texts

The toll charge scam is designed to deceive drivers into entering banking or credit card information into a website, fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies. 

Bonta urges Californians to not click on links in texts appearing to alert consumers to overdue toll charges. 

His office says most of these scams claim to be from FasTrak and link to a fraudulent website claiming to be run by The Toll Roads.

However, The Toll Roads and other California tolling agencies do not send text messages to non-account holders. 

What to do if a consumer clicked a link

Bonta’s office recommends if a consumer clicked any link or provided personal information, take efforts to secure the information and financial accounts. 

Also, dispute any unfamiliar charges.

To report a text-based scam to the Attorney General, visit oag.ca.gov/contact/general-contact-form

spot_img

Latest articles

California members of transnational fraud ring arrested for $30 Million timeshare scam

CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced October 21 that more than...

Western Gateway Pipeline to reverse flow, bringing fuel to California

CALIFORNIA – Energy companies Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan, Inc. unveiled plans on October...

Amazon to hire 30,000 seasonal workers in California

CALIFORNIA – Amazon announced it is hiring 250,000 seasonal workers nationwide, including 30,000 in...

Barstow Father Charged with Murder of 2-Year-Old Swept Away in Floodwaters

BARSTOW – The Barstow Police Department announced that detectives arrested Brandon Padilla-Aguilera on charges...

More like this

California warns federal shutdown could pause CalFresh funding in November

CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom warned on October 20 that the federal shutdown could...

California law now allows taking of invasive mute swans

CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that new state...

Adelanto earns Prohousing Designation, opens door to millions in state funding

CALIFORNIA — The City of Adelanto announced October 20 that the California Department of...