Do you live in Minnesota? Did you receive a payment reminder text message allegedly from Minnesota Express Lane? Beware, it’s 100% a scam! Drivers in Minnesota United States are being targeted by unpaid toll scam.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve uncovered hundreds of toll text scams with fake websites posing as legit sites for toll payments; Ezdrivemas.com, peachpassinvoice.com, e.t.c. If you’ve gotten one of such text, here’s why it’s a scam, how the scam works, and how to stay protected;
Minnesota Express Lane Payment Reminder Scam Text
Fraudsters send text messages that says ”Minnesota Express Lane Payment Reminder: We’ve processed your recent trip on The Express Lane. The total amount due is $3.39. To avoid late fee of $39.99, please make your payment promptly at https://mysunpassinvoices.com/”
The text message might seem real as the website looks legit (Sunpass toll logo, website design, e.t.c)but it’s a sophisticated scam that has been massively reported. If you’ve gotten one of such text, here’s why it’s a scam, how the scam works, and how to stay protected;
What makes It a Scam Toll Text?
- The website mentioned in the text mysunpassinvoices.com isn’t the legit SunPass website. The legit site is sunpass.com.
- SunPass do not ask vehicle owners via text to make a toll payment or take immediate action on their account.
- The text message does not contain vital information ( fails to mention the toll booth used and the recipients license plate number)
- The legit SunPass has posted a warning about the ongoing toll text scam on their website.
- The telephone numbers used to send the texts are being used by similar toll payment scam. Eg – (438) 699-4575, (431) 788-3142, 1(438) 699-4503, e.t.c
- The website ‘mysunpassinvoices.com‘ was registered on 28th August, 2024 by an anonymous person– this shows it lacks reputation of any sort.
- A cybersecurity tool ‘VirusTotal’ reveals the website IP address is from Bulgaria instead of USA.
How The Minnesota Express Lane Scam Toll Text Works
Clicking on the link in the fraudulent text message takes victims to a spoofed SunPass website that ask for credit card details for the toll 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.
What Victims of This Scam Should Do;
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 scam – Alabama Freedom Pass Scam
Nora