Toll Text Scams Rise: Are You a Victim? Apple and Android Can’t Stop It

Got a text about an unpaid toll? Saying you owe money and face fines? You’re not alone. These scams are everywhere, and they’re getting sneakier.

You’re driving along, minding your own business, and BAM! A text message hits your phone, claiming you owe money for a toll you never knew about. Panic sets in. You don’t want to lose your license, right?

That’s exactly what these scammers are hoping for. And sadly, even Apple and Google can’t seem to stop them completely.

A 900% Jump? !

Yep, you read that right. Cybersecurity experts at Trend Micro have seen a massive surge – a 900% increase – in searches for “toll road scams” in just the last few months. That means these texts are reaching a LOT more people.

McAfee found that toll scams are four times more prevalent than at the start of the year. This isn’t some small thing. It’s a widespread problem. They are getting victims to pay it!

How They Get Around Security

Even iPhones with built-in safety features aren’t completely safe. Scammers are finding ways to bypass the initial text block. It’s like a cat-and-mouse game, and right now, the scammers are winning.

The trick? The scam asks you to reply with “Y” to unlock the link. Boom. You’re in their trap.

Even the FBI is Warning Us

The FBI issued a public warning in April, saying they’ve received thousands of complaints. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it’s a serious crime.

Why Are These Scams So Successful?

Simply put, they’re cheap and easy to run. Scammers can buy phone numbers and website domains in bulk. It’s like buying candy in a store. So easy.

They’ll use generic names like FastTrak. The number of these domains is estimated to be over 60,000.

The Real Goal? Your Info

While they might seem like they just want your money, the real prize is your personal information. Think of it as the key to unlocking a whole world of criminal activity.

With your information, they can steal your identity, open credit cards, take out loans. It’s a nightmare scenario.

The Simple Solution: Delete!

What can you do? It’s simple, really:

• Don’t click anything.
• Don’t reply.
• Just delete the text.

It’s the easiest way to protect yourself from these scams. Stay safe out there!