State officials warn drivers about GeauxPass scam

(The Center Square) — Louisiana’s statewide toll system GeauxPass is warning residents about a recent smishing scam. Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages that impersonate tolling agencies, falsely claiming that toll payments are overdue.

Smishing is a type of phishing attack that utilizes text messages to try to get the victim to share personal information or click on a harmful link.

The deceptive messages prompt recipients to visit a website that is not affiliated with GeauxPass, asking for sensitive personal and financial information to settle supposed balances. GeauxPass officials emphasize that they will never request personal information through text messages.

The scammers created a look-alike web address that is just one letter off from the official site — omitting the "x" in GeauxPass and using a .net domain instead of the legitimate .com. The incorrect URL presented by the scammers is https://geaupass.net

While the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development disclosed that people did receive the fake text message and link, they were unable to say whether anyone was deceived into giving their information. DOTD was also unable to speak on who initiated the scam.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development levies tolls on 18-mile bridge carrying State Highway 1 between Golden Meadow and Port Fourchon, along with the Belle Chasse Bridge.

The system is mounted to a vehicle's windshield and when it is driven beneath the system's gantry-mounted sensors at the toll plazas, the toll is collected electronically and deducted from the driver's Geauxpass account.