This is certainly not the first time we’re posting about toll scams. Recently, two new versions have emerged targeting drivers in Virginia and Illinois. To learn more about these two scams and how to stay safe, keep on reading.

How Toll Scams Work

The message will include a link to a website, which the potential victim is encouraged to click to pay the toll. The website is malicious, designed to capture any sensitive information entered onto it. By exploiting the fear of what may happen if you don’t pay the toll, scammers hope to entice you to click the link and enter your sensitive information.

VDOT Toll Scam

This VDOT scam targets drivers in Virginia, threatening them with penalties and legal action. Here’s what it looks like:

Content of the VDOT toll scam:

• VDOT Final Reminder: You have an outstanding toll.Your toll account balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay by March 6, 2025. you will face penalties or legal action. New Payment: <URL> (Please reply Y, then exit the SMS and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it) Please settle your toll immediately after reading this message to avoid penalties for delaying the payment. Thank you for your cooperation.

IPASS Toll Scam

This I-PASS scam targets drivers in Illinois, claiming that if they don’t settle the outstanding toll payment, they may face late fees and have their driver’s license revoked. Here’s what it looks like:

Content of the IPASS toll payment scam:

• I-Pass: Unpaid Toll Reminder You have an outstanding toll payment. The payment is due by 02/28/2025. If not paid by the due date, additional late fees may apply, and it may result in the revocation of your driver’s license. To avoid any penalties, please make your payment promptly using the link below: Thank you for your immediate attention. <URL> (Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link into your Safari browser and open it) Have a nice day!

Toll Scams: How to Stay Safe

If you mistakenly provide your information on a bogus toll scam site, scammers could potentially commit financial fraud or identity theft under your name. If you receive any unexpected payment requests, the best practice is to directly contact the purported source through official channels. Generally, if you weren’t anticipating a charge, consider it suspicious.

• Stay Cautious: If you receive such a text, pause and verify its legitimacy. Legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for payment via text message.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck: When you’re not sure if something’s a scam, check with Trend Micro ScamCheck! Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of the VDOT toll scam and IPASS toll payment scam:

• Check Official Sources: Visit the official website directly (not through any links in the text message).
• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities.

If you’ve made a payment already, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the charges.

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

If you’ve found this article an interesting or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider clicking the LIKE button or leaving a comment below.