If you’ve received a text about an unpaid toll violation, you’re not alone, writes Matt Kapko for CyberScoop.
These messages claim you owe a small amount—usually under $25—but come with big threats, like registration suspension or reports to state agencies. The catch? It’s all a scam.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and FTC, are tracking this widespread fraud, which tricks victims into handing over credit card details. This scam, known as “smishing” (phishing via SMS), has been on the rise since early 2024.
“They don’t care about the seven bucks. They want your credit card number,” says Aidan Holland, a security researcher at Censys.
Investigators link these scams to cybercriminal groups using thousands of fake domains. Most phishing sites are hosted on networks linked to China-based firms.
Experts report a constant battle against scammers who quickly replace domains taken down. They also exploit email-to-text services to evade spam filters, making it harder for wireless carriers to block them.
Authorities urge caution: Don’t click links in unexpected texts. Report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). Staying alert is the best defense—if something feels off, it probably is!
Read more about the toll violation scam at CyberScoop.
