Are you worried about the “Illinois Tollway Text” you received about an unpaid toll? Be aware that many people received a similar text on July 4th. The text says, “Our records indicate that your vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice,” and asks you to pay certain charges.
What Is Illinois Tollway Text Scam?
The “Illinois Tollway Text Scam” is a fraud text scam that targets Illinois drivers. Scammers send text messages pretending to be from the official Illinois Tollway and claim that drivers have unpaid toll fees, They risk penalties and ask for immediate payment. Their purpose is to steal personal information and money.
How Does The Illinois Tollway Text Scam Work?
This scam starts working by sending emails to Illinois drivers, asking for some amount of money, here is how this scam works.
Initial Messages
Scammers start their scheme by sending scary messages to drivers. These texts include: We are from “Illinois Tollway” and you have to pay $7.59 now at tollwayservices.com to avoid a $75.90 late fee.”
The messages sound official and urgent and make people afraid of more fees if they don’t pay quickly. Scammers mention specific amounts and big penalties to make their messages seem real and pressure people to respond quickly.
Fake Websites
If a driver responds to the text, they’re sent to fake websites made to look like the Illinois Tollway’s. These sites appear real with logos, branding, and fake customer support.
people are misled into entering personal, financial, and payment card details that can be used for stealing money and identity fraud.
Tricky Techniques
The scam uses psychological tricks to trap people, these tips may include.
- Threats of Late Fees: Messages threaten big fees if payment isn’t fast.
- Countdown Clocks: Some fake sites show timers counting down to bigger penalties, making people feel rushed.
- Realistic Looks: Sites look official with logos and designs to seem real, tricking victims into trusting them.
Illinois Tollway Complaints On Reddit
Many users on Reddit report receiving identical texts demanding payment with the same urgency. They also note that tollwayservices.com is quick to register.
Some users have reported clicking on links they received, only to realize they were almost scammed. They suggest not assuming every company is legitimate nowadays, as trusting every company without verification has directed to scams like these text scams.
What To Do If You Get the Scam Text?
If you receive these suspicious texts, follow these steps to stay away from these types of scams.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Don’t click on any links in the text. Verify the information from trusted sources.
- Report It: File a complaint at www.ic3.gov, a website where you can report internet crimes to law enforcement agencies.
What To Do If You Already Paid the Scammers?
If you have already dropped victim to the scam, Here are some steps that you should take immediately.
- Contact Your Bank: Tell your bank or credit card company right away to stop more unauthorized charges.
- Watch Your Accounts: Keep checking your accounts for any strange activity.
- Freeze Your Credit: Freeze your credit to block scammers from opening new accounts using your name.
Illinois Tollway Email Address & Phone Number?
You can easily contact Illinois Tollway, Send any questionable emails that seem to be from the Illinois Tollway to their official E-mail [email protected]. Also, you can contact them from their official Phone number (800-824-7277), If you want to talk to someone in customer service, they claim to help you on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Conclusion
An official from the Illinois Tollway has commented that the text messages are part of a phishing scam. They informed I-Pass customers to delete these messages and file a complaint about the fake messages. Also, officials have warned that these latest messages appear more legitimate. According to a report, other countries have also warned of similar scams.
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Jason Thomas is a Computer Science student specializing in AI & ML, dedicated to safeguarding individuals from online threats. Passionate about exposing internet scams, Jason spends his free time identifying and reviewing various fraudulent activities and unethical materials. With a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, he is a valuable contributor to the fight against online fraud. His commitment to technology and programming fuels his mission to protect people from scams and enhance internet safety for everyone.