There has been a rise lately in fake toll text messages targeting US residents. The Ohio Turnpike Toll Services text message scam is the recent one which was first reported on 22nd July 2024.
The text message which look so real, claims recipient’s vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. To avoid additional charges of $97.50, the scam text directs people to a fake website ‘Ohioturnpiketoll.com’ or ‘ohioturnpiketollservices.com’ to pay the alleged balance of $9.75.
If you’ve gotten the text message, here’s what you need to know;
- Toll Services (Ohio Turnpike, SunPass, BreezeBy, EZpass, etc) do not ask customers via text to make a payment or to take immediate action on their account.
- The link on the text message isn’t the legit Ohio Turnpike website for toll payment which is ‘ohioturnpikeorg‘.
- The websites ‘ohioturnpiketoll.com’ and ohioturnpiketollservices.com was registered July 2024 – this shows it lacks reputation of any sort.
- A cybersecurity tool ‘VirusTotal’ reveals the websites IP addresses is from Bulgaria instead of USA.
How The Ohio Turnpike Toll Services Scam Works
Clicking on the link in the fraudulent text message takes victims to a spoofed 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 $9.75 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.
RED FLAGS
- It has a sense of urgency prompting recipients to click on a link immediately.
- The telephone number used to send the text message is being by similar toll payment scam
- Poor Website Design: The scam site features only a payment button and is missing crucial pages.
- Random Targeting: People who haven’t used the Ohio Turnpike are also receiving these messages.
Is The Real Ohio Turnpike Services Aware Of This Ongoing Scam?
Yes, The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has confirmed they never ask for payments through text messages. You should visit their official websites: ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org.
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.
Recent scam: Paturnpiketollbill.com Scam
Samantha