Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024

Bay Area Fastrak Toll Text Scam ‘Recorded Using Fastrak Express Lane’ – Beware!

By Samantha Jun23,2024

Beware of text messages that claims you were recorded using the FasTrak Express Lane and directs you to Bayareafastraktollservices.com to make payment. It’s a scam! Toll Services eg FasTrak, Sunpass, EzPass, Ohio Turnpike e.t.c do not request payment by text messages with a link to a website. If you miss paying a toll, the bill is sent to your residence, not sent as a text.

The Fastrak Scam text messages are smishing attempt by cybercriminals, and have been reported to originate from 709 and 263 area codes. Other red flags spotted;

  1. The link on the text message isn’t the legit Bay Area Fastrak website which is bayareafastrak.org
  2. The websites used in the scam; Bayareafastraktollservices.com, ‘bayareafastraktoll.com, bayareafastrakservices.com, were registered June 22nd, 2024 – this shows it lacks reputation of any sort.
  3. A cybersecurity tool ‘VirusTotal’ reveals the website IP address is from Bulgaria instead of USA.
  4. Most recipients have not drove on the Fastrak Express Lane for months or years even
  5. The text message is sent from 709 area code which is a Canadian area code, and has been flagged for Sunpass toll scam texts in the past. Eg – + 1(709)749-5032 and 263 area codes which is a Zimbabwe area code. This proves the text message is from a foreign country and not USA

How Bayareafastraktollservices.com Scam Works

Clicking on the link in the fraudulent text message takes victims to a spoofed Fastrak website that ask for credit card details for the fee. People who provide their credit card info would become a victim of credit card fraud. The scammers would not only deduct the fake outstanding balance but would make huge withdrawals.

Also, mere clicking on the link could expose your mobile device to viruses, spywares, or malware. This is because the website could’ve a malware program running in the background. Malware is software that is installed on a computer without the user’s consent and that performs malicious actions, such as stealing passwords or money.  Malware can be installed in a variety of ways, including through email attachments, drive-by downloads, or by clicking on links in malicious websites.

Precaution

Here’s what to do If you received a scam text message;

  • Don’t attempt to click on the link no matter how legit it looks. Clicking it would either direct you to a fraudulent website or install malware into your device.
  • Block The Sender Number. You can do this by flagging the telephone number as spam.
  • Delete The Text Message. Deleting the text message will prevent you from mistakenly replying or clicking on it.

Solution for Victims of Bayareafastraktollservices.com Scam

Inform Their Credit Card Company

If you provided your credit card details on this scam site, the first step you should take is calling your credit card company. They need to know that your card details have been compromised so as to closely monitor and prevent any unauthorized charges.

Place a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert

Fraud alert is sort of like a two-factor authentication process for accessing your credit, whereas a credit freeze blocks anyone from accessing your credit — until you remove it. The credit freeze is the best option for you, if you know you wouldn’t be using the credit card anytime soon.

Scan Their Device with a Malware Checker Tool

There’s a likelihood that your device has been infested by malware or spyware after visiting the spoofed website. Scanning your device with a malware removal tool will detect and remove any viruses, spyware, or other malicious programs.

See similar smishing scam text – Billsunpasstoll.com scam text

By Samantha

I am Samantha, a Cyber Security enthusiast. I kicked off my passion as a Cyber Fraud Researcher during the Covid19 pandemic when I saw lots of people falling victims to fraudulent websites pretending to sell disinfectants, masks and wipes. Since then, I've helped thousands of people avoid being scammed by providing timely alerts on trending scams and tips on how to stay protected.

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