Concerns over fraudulent activities targeting toll road users in California have heightened, prompting the state attorney general to issue a strong warning and remind the public to be vigilant of mobile text messages requesting payments.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized in a press release on July 1st that scammers are posing as FasTrak (California’s electronic toll collection system) and sending messages claiming that users have unpaid toll fees. These messages contain a payment link, but officials have clarified that this is a fake request, as FasTrak does not solicit payments in such a manner.
Bonta stated, “Scammers often lurk around us, disrupting us through text messages. With the increase in SMS billing fraud cases, it is crucial to learn to identify these fraudulent tactics to protect consumer safety.”
The press release mentioned that even just clicking on the link without making a payment could pose risks, as it may lead to potential phishing attacks where scammers attempt to steal personal information.
It is advised in the press release that individuals who receive such messages should independently contact the toll agency via official websites or telephone numbers for verification, avoiding the contact information provided in the text messages. Furthermore, they should promptly report and delete suspicious messages.
In the event that a payment has been made, complaints can be filed with the Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). For any unauthorized charges, individuals are encouraged to dispute them with their banks.
Bonta urged, “I call on the people of California to take concrete steps to prevent fraudulent activities and communicate with friends and family who may be unaware of these risks.”
It is vital to stay informed and cautious in the face of such scams to protect oneself and others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.