Don’t fall for the toll road billing scam

INDIANAPOLIS – Multiple agencies are spreading the word about the latest version of “highway robbery” that comes in the form of a texting scam.

Scammers are posing as toll road collection agencies, hoping to catch you asleep at the wheel.  Both the FBI and Better Business Bureau have been getting complaints from people who say they got a text message from what appears to be a state tollway collection service claiming they have an outstanding balance from a prior toll.

“We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record,” said one scam text reported to the FBI.  “To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit [website redacted] to settle your balance.”

The bogus messages are made to look like they’re coming from the Indiana Toll Road, or EZ Pass, or the Illinois tollway, the Florida or Pennsylvania Turnpike, or RiverLink, which captures your license plate as you cross the bridge from southern Indiana to Kentucky.

RiverLink currently has a warning posted on its website, warning drivers about the scam.

The scam is a good reminder to never click on a link in an unsolicited text or email.

If you receive one of these texts, the FBI recommends these steps:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov , be sure to include:
   1. The phone number from where the text originated.
   2. The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

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