Don’t fall for these common phone scams
Elizabeth Keatinge tells us about new phone scams to watch out for.
Buzz60
If you recently received a text message from the Ohio Turnpike about unpaid tolls, don’t be alarmed, it’s a scam.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission would like to warn the public about a resurgence of scams known as “smishing” (SMS and phishing) attacks, in which scammers pose as toll authorities and demand money and information from customers.
With Labor Day driving coming up, it’s important to be alert to toll road scam text messages. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself from smishing attacks.
How to tell if you’re being scammed with a fake text message from the Ohio Turnpike
The FBI provided an example of what a smishing text might look like:
“(State toll service name): We have identified an outstanding toll balance of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a $50.00 late fee, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.”
In an email, the Ohio Turnpike informs its customers that never ask its customers to make payments by SMS and that the collection of unpaid tolls and toll violations not are done via text.
Ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org are the only websites linked to Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass accounts.
Frauds on the Ohio Turnpike were discovered in April 2024
The Turnpike Commission first learned of the smishing attempts in April and has since stressed that the Ohio Turnpike does not request or collect payments via text message. It warns motorists about fake text messages designed to defraud their recipients and trick them into giving scammers personal information, including bank and credit card information.
Drivers in Michigan were confronted with fraudulent text messages
According to the Detroit Free Press, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office has received numerous complaints from consumers about smishing attacks from Florida.
Many Michigan drivers passing through Ohio over Labor Day weekend are asked to watch for smishing text messages about unpaid Ohio tolls.
How can I avoid smishing scams?
The Federal Communications Commission website provides tips on how to avoid falling for smishing scams:
- Never click on links, reply to text messages, or call numbers you don’t recognize.
- Do not reply even if the message asks you to write “STOP” to end the messages
- Delete all suspicious texts
- Make sure your smart device’s operating system and security apps are updated to the latest version
- Consider installing anti-malware software on your device for additional security
- Protect sensitive personal information such as bank accounts, health records, and social media accounts by using multi-factor authentication to access them.
How do I report a fraudulent smishing text message to the FBI?
The FBI recommends that you take the following steps if you encounter a smishing text message:
- Submit a complaint to IC3 and be sure to include the following:
- The phone number from which the text originated.
- The website mentioned in the text
- Verify your account through the legitimate toll service website
- Contact the toll service customer service telephone number
- Delete all received smishing texts
- Once you have clicked on a link or provided your information, make every effort to protect your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unknown charges
Alex Perry contributed reporting
