One recent case involved Texas-based audience producer Gwen Howerton, who unknowingly fell for this scam after driving a rental car on the Dallas North Tollway. Not being familiar with the correct toll payment process, she believed the overdue payment notice she received was genuine and followed the provided instructions. Her case highlights how easily people can be deceived by these well-crafted phishing messages.
A distinguishing feature of these scams is that the text message prompts users to perform a specific action before accessing the fraudulent link. In many cases, recipients are asked to reply with “Y” or copy the link into their web browser manually. This tactic is designed to bypass Apple’s iMessage security measures, which automatically disable links from unknown senders.
By replying, users unknowingly validate their phone numbers, confirming to scammers that the number is active. Even if they do not click the link, responding makes them targets for future scams and spam campaigns.
Authorities urge the public to be cautious when receiving unexpected messages from unfamiliar numbers. If a text message contains a suspicious link, the best course of action is to ignore and delete it. Users should avoid replying or following any instructions within the message, as this could increase their risk of being targeted again.
If there is any doubt about a toll payment, it is recommended to contact the toll agency directly using official contact details rather than those provided in the message.
To combat these scams, individuals should report any fraudulent messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers guidance on recognizing and responding to scam texts, while the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has tracked the rise of these schemes.
Last year, IC3 received over 2,000 complaints about toll payment scams and noted that the attacks were shifting from state to state.
As SMS phishing scams continue to evolve, staying informed and cautious is crucial.
By recognizing the warning signs and taking preventive measures, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
