There has been a rise lately in fake toll text messages targeting US residents. The Ncquickpasstollservices.com text message scam is the most recent one which was first reported on 25 July 2024.
The text message which look so real, claims recipient’s vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. To avoid additional charges of $7.60, the scam text directs people to a fake website called ‘Ncquickpasstollservices.com however the real NC Quick Pass Is ncquickpass.com.
The text message claims:
Your Vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. To avoid a bill with excessive late fees, kindly settle your balance.
Amount due: $7.60.
If You’ve Received a Text Message From Ncquickpasstollservices.com
Toll services like NC Quick Pass, SunPass, BreezeBy, and EZpass will never ask you to make a payment or take immediate action through a text message.
The link in the text message does not lead to the official NC Quick Pass website, which is ‘ncquickpass.com’.
The website ‘Ncquickpasstollservices.com’ was registered in July 7 2024 and will expire July 7 2025 indicating they are new and untrustworthy.
Here’s how the Ncquickpasstollservices.com scam works:
- If you click the link in the fake text message, it takes you to a fake website that asks for your credit card details to pay a toll fee. If you enter your information, scammers can steal your credit card details and make big unauthorized charges.
- Just clicking the link could also put your phone at risk. The fake website might have harmful software (malware) running in the background. Malware can steal your passwords or money and can get onto your device through links, email attachments, or downloads without your knowledge.
Some Red Flags to Watch Out for:
- The website Ncquickpasstollservices.com is registered to someone in Peru, not affiliated with NC Quick Pass.
- People who haven’t used the Ohio Turnpike are getting these messages too.
- Scammers use fake, convincing texts to warn about extra charges if you don’t pay a fake balance.
- The website falsely claims to be connected to NC Quick Pass.
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.
- Delete The Text Message. Deleting the text message will prevent you from mistakenly replying or clicking on it.
- Block The Sender Number. You can do this by flagging the telephone number as spam
Solution for Victims of this Smishing 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.
Similar scam: Ohioturnpiketoll.com