Watch Out for Toll Scam Texts: How to Spot Them & Stay Protected

Toll scam texts are on the rise. Learn how to spot fake toll payment messages, avoid fraud, and protect your personal and banking information.

Toll scam texts are a growing form of fraud where scammers impersonate toll agencies, sending fake messages that claim you owe money for driving on a toll road. These messages often include a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal your personal or banking information.

What Do Toll Scams Look Like?

These texts often:

• Use urgent language, such as "Final Notice: Unpaid Toll."
• Include a link to "pay now" or "avoid penalties."
• Claim you owe a small amount (like $2.75 or $4.50) to make it seem harmless.
• May appear to come from official-sounding senders or short codes.
• Come from a strange phone number.

Example of scam text:

🚩 Notice the urgent language: "This is your final notice..."

🚩 Notice the avoid penalties: "You must settle the balance within the next 12 hours to avoid severe penalties."

🚩 Notice the small amount: $6.99.

🚩 Notice the official-sounding threats from the DMV.

🚩 Notice the 'Pay Now' link; it's trying to get you to click and provide your information.

🚩 Notice the phone number it was sent from. 

Why Are They So Dangerous?

Toll scam texts are dangerous because:

• They trick you into entering payment details on a fake site.
• They can install malware if you click the link.
• They often lead to identity theft or unauthorized bank transactions.
  

How to Protect Yourself

Here are steps you can take to avoid falling victim:

1. Don't Click the Link: Never click links in unsolicited texts, especially those claiming you owe money.

2. Verify with the Toll Agency: If you suspect the message may be genuine, visit the official toll authority website or contact them directly using a trusted phone number.

3. Look for the Red Flags 🚩:

• Misspellings or strange phrasing
• Unusual web addresses
• Messages asking for debit/credit card information or personal details

4. Report the Message: Report scam texts to your mobile carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and delete the message.

5. Use Fraud Protection Tools: Use services like HB Alerts, eNFACT Fraud Alerts, Card Alerts on your HB Mobile App, and Credit Sense to monitor your financial activity. Stop fraud before it causes harm.

6. When in Doubt, Call Us: Our team is trained to recognize scams and protect your information. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to contact us; we're here to help you stay safe.

What Toll Agencies Will NOT Do

Legitimate toll agencies:

• Will not send you unsolicited text messages with links to pay a toll.
• Will not request sensitive information by text.
• Typically, bills are sent by mail or through their secure online portals.

Stay One Step Ahead

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but so are the tools designed to protect against fraud. At Heartland Bank, we're here to help you stay informed and secure. If you ever receive a suspicious message or need assistance with protecting your account, please get in touch with us immediately.