California – California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a warning on January 2, 2025, about a surge in text-based toll scams targeting drivers. These scam texts, which appear to come from toll services like FasTrak, claim that consumers owe toll charges and include a link for payment.
Since March 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received over 2,000 reports of such “smishing” scams from at least three states. Smishing combines “SMS” (Short Message Service) with phishing tactics, attempting to trick recipients into downloading malware, providing sensitive data, or sending money to cybercriminals.
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Key Advice: Avoid Clicking on Links in Text Messages
The scam operates by deceiving drivers into clicking on a fraudulent link that claims to be for toll payment, but actually directs them to a website that gathers sensitive information, such as credit card or banking details.
California tolling agencies like FasTrak and The Toll Roads do not send text messages to non-account holders. Attorney General Bonta advises residents not to engage with any unsolicited text messages about overdue toll payments.
Steps to Take if You’ve Clicked on a Link
If you’ve clicked a suspicious link or shared personal information, Bonta’s office recommends immediately securing your accounts and disputing any unfamiliar charges. For those who encounter these scams, the Attorney General’s office urges them to report the issue online at oag.ca.gov/contact/general-contact-form.
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