FBI warns Denver drivers of E-470 text-based scam

DENVER (KDVR) — A new scam is making rounds in Denver, according to the FBI, and it’s targeting E-470 drivers.

Investigators say they have witnessed a “troublesome level of fraudulent” texts that are an attempt to scam toll road users. The scammers’ goal is to obtain sensitive information, such as credit card information, and ultimately make money off the scam.

“The toll thing is a pretty new thing that our coworkers have been chatting about for sure,” Peter Rundquist, who has been targeted by scammers since he purchased his car, told FOX31’s Shaul Turner.

Neither the E-470 toll authority nor ExpressToll collects any payment or personal information through texts. For security, do not click on any links sent through a text or provide any personal information to the phisher.

The scam texts sound like this:

ExpressToll: We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50, visit myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.

Scam text example

That website leads to a phishing scam, also called a “smishing scam,” using a fake text message to trick people into clicking on a link that will install malware, share your sensitive information or send money to cybercriminals. In this case, the smishing texts are designed to impersonate the state’s toll service name.

According to the FBI, the agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 2,000 complaints since early March in at least three states.

The FBI says that when such a scam is encountered, report it by:

• Filing a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, ic3.gov . Be sure to include:
  • The phone number from where the text originated
  • The website listed within the text
• Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website — in Colorado, that website is www.expresstoll.com/Home
• Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number — in Colorado, that number is 303-537-3470 or 1-888-946-3470 for out-of-area calls
• Delete any smishing texts received
• If you clicked any link or provided your information, make sure you take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

According to the IC3 website , Colorado was the 15th overall state for internet crime complaints, with 11,475 reported in 2023 for an overall statewide loss of $187.6 million.

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