The North Carolina Turnpike Authority was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country.
The scammers are requesting payment for unpaid tolls.
The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.
NC Quick Pass will never request payment by text.
A text received by rrspin this morning, left, and a sample from the FBI
https://rrspin.com/news/9242-turnpike-authority-reports-toll-smishing-scam.html#sigProId26bef85392
All links associated with NC Quick Pass will include ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com
This smishing scam is part of a series of smishing scams that the FBI is aware of.
The FBI said since earlyMarch its Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 2,000 complaints reporting smishing texts representing road toll collection service from at least three states.
The IC3 complaint information indicates the scam may be moving from state-to-state.
The texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language. The outstanding toll amount is similar among the complaints reported to the IC3. However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state's toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.
If you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested:
File a complaint with the IC3, www.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.
