Michigan’s Department of Transportation this week reminded state residents to “remain vigilant” after new reports of toll scams targeting people via cell phone texts.
“While this toll scam isn’t new, it is becoming more prevalent, particularly in West Michigan,” Dana Nessel, Michigan’s Attorney General, said in an April 16 release. “Before entering your credit card information in response to any kind of text message, take a moment to look closely. If the link does not include an official web domain, phone number, or email address, ignore the message.”
E-Z pass toll scams texts have targets Michigan residents and, according to MDOT, scams are still being sent to residents.
Toll scams have become a national issue, with scams mimicking Florida’s SunPass and California’s FraskTrak. On Jan. 17, the Federal Trade Commission to released a consumer alert warning the public of the ongoing deception.
“MDOT officials want to remind all drivers, our department does not operate toll roads,” Bradley C. Wieferich, Michigan’s Transportation Director said. “Some bridge locations collect tolls but not using license plate readers. You will never receive a bill from MDOT via text message.”
Michigan does not have toll roads. Tolls are collected by the state and private companies at certain bridges and tunnels across the state, including at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, Mackinac Bridge, Grosse Ile Toll Bridge, Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Ambassador Bridge in Detroit and the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel.
Here’s more on toll scams in Michigan:
MDOT reminds residents of these fraudulent characteristics of a toll scam or a smishing text in general:
MDOT says the most recent scam in circulation includes a fake state website with a different URL that is mimicking MDOT’s real website.
While the texts vary in style and copy, they tend to share some popular link styles, such as shortened Bitly links that prevent the receiver from seeing the full URL text, or links made to look similar to the real thing, such as having “E-Z pass” in the URL text.
McAfee, one of the most well-known anti-scam and anti-virus software companies nationwide, compiled a list of some of the most popular link styles spotted in these texts:
This list is not exhaustive, but is rather a snapshot of some common URL types and formats found in these messages.
If you have received a toll scam or smishing text it is recommended to not click any links attached, not reply with personal or credit card information and block the number.
Residents are also encourage to report smishing texts by forwarding them to SPAM (7726) and sending the texts to the Federal Trade Commission.
To protect yourself from more scams, MDOT suggests using built-in spam-blocking tools on their phones.
MDOT’S release included a list of actions the agency does not take to collect toll fees. Attorney General Nessel reminds residents of the following:
Under Michigan’s Consumer Protection, smishing is the practice of sending fake texts from reputable companies (or government agencies) to entice or confuse consumers into replying with personal information, or to install malware unknowingly.
Here are more tips on how to avoid receiving a smishing text and how to handle one:
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com

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