Hoosiers should be aware of a recent text message scam, also known as 'smishing,' claiming consumers owe money for unpaid fees from toll roads.
Here is how the text scam works and why so many consumers may fall victim to it.
- Impersonation: Scammers will send a text message claiming to be from Indiana Toll Road, stating that you have an outstanding toll balance that needs to be paid.
- Urgency/Threat: The message is framed to create a sense of urgency, warning of late fees or threatening the loss of your license if you do not pay off the fake balance.
- Link to Pay: The text will include a link to a fake website where you will be asked to enter personal and financial information.
- Data Theft: Just by clicking the link alone you will have been put at risk of scammers stealing your information, even if you don't enter the personal or financial information they're asking for.
In light of this recent scam, Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) is reminding Hoosiers that it does not send text messages or call customers to request sensitive information such as passwords, financial information or personal information.
If you or someone you know receives one of these scam texts or clicks on any of the links within the message, you should file a formal complaint through the FBI's website and contact your bank immediately.
Use the following steps to file a smishing report, check for legitimacy and protect your data.
- File a complaint at www.ic3.gov, and be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated and the website link included in the text message.
- Log into your toll road account online or contact Indiana Toll Road's customer care center to check your account status.
- Delete any smishing messages received and report them as junk. Do not respond to any scam text messages.
- Never click on links provided by unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses.
- Never share personal or financial information over text or on unfamiliar websites.
- If you do click a link or provide sensitive information to unknown entities, contact your bank and check for unfamiliar charges or freeze your account.
To learn more about the smishing scam or how you can best protect yourself from scams in the future, click here.
