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SAN DIEGO — Scammers are targeting people via text message demanding they pay toll road fees and threatening that if they don’t, they could face legal action. These messages come with a link that can be a risk for people if they click on it and potentially give hackers access to their information.
The Identity Theft Resource Center’s website states reports of toll road scams are rapidly on the rise. The ITRC also mentions they are receiving victim reports impacting people of these scams in several states including California.
CBS 8 spoke to Cristi Harnandez who’s received similar texts on her phone.
“Many, since starting the last week but because but because I always saw the news I start to block the number or delete,” Harnandez said.
SANDAG’s FasTrak website portal has an alert that states “Nationwide Text Scam: If you receive a suspicious text message regarding a toll balance, log in to your FasTrak account online or contact us to verify if the message is legitimate.”
In July, California’s Attorney General issued a consumer alert warning people about text-based toll charge scams. The state’s AG’s office shares some steps to take if you’ve received a toll scam text:
Delete any scam texts received.
File a complaint
Check your account
Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number
Secure your personal information and financial accounts
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