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What to know about a FasTrak text message scam in California
Have you received a text message urging you to pay a FasTrak fee? It’s a scam. The message looks like this: “In order to avoid excessive late fees and potential legal action on statements, please pay the fee in time.” It also includes a link to a website. Instead of being a real notice to pay your bill, the message is a “smishing” scam. Smishing is a phishing attempt by text message aimed at stealing your personal or credit card information. “FasTrak, the electronic toll collection system used statewide in California, does not request payment by text with a link to a website,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in issuing a consumer alert about the problem in July. The FBI warned last April that the problem didn’t just impact California but was related to road toll services in at least three states. At the time, the FBI said its Internet Crime Complaint Center had received 2,000 complaints of smishing attempts since early March.The FBI’s smishing example included a fake message warning of a small outstanding toll amount with a much higher late fee if the target didn’t pay up. KCRA 3 has reached out to the FBI for an update on the number of recent complaints. John Goodwin, a spokesperson with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Bay Area Toll Authority, said he wasn’t sure if there has been an increase in FasTrak text scams lately, but that it “is clear that a lot of California mobile phone customers have received fraudulent text messages over the past several weeks.” He said that it’s been an ongoing problem since last February.“The problem has bedeviled mobile phone customers and toll agencies alike almost constantly during this time,” he said. “But the messages change frequently. Broadly speaking, the scamsters’ spelling and syntax has improved, but remain imperfect.”The website fastrak.org now includes a warning message to disregard phishing texts that detail a specific outstanding toll amount. What to do if you get one of these texts The FBI recommends that those who receive one of these texts file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and include the phone number where the text originated and the website that is listed with the text. You should then delete the text message. If you clicked any link or provided your information, the FBI recommends making efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. California’s attorney general says people can also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and his office. His office also recommends the following tips for avoiding toll scams. Don’t rush to click on links or respond to the texts.Check with your tolling agency if you’re worried the text is not legit. Only use a phone number or website that you know is real.You can also use your phone’s “report junk” feature.Once you’ve reported the scam, don’t engage with the sender and instead delete the message.See news happening? Send us your photos or videos if it’s safe to do so at kcra.com/upload.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Have you received a text message urging you to pay a FasTrak fee? It’s a scam.

The message looks like this: “In order to avoid excessive late fees and potential legal action on statements, please pay the fee in time.” It also includes a link to a website.

Instead of being a real notice to pay your bill, the message is a “smishing” scam. Smishing is a phishing attempt by text message aimed at stealing your personal or credit card information.

“FasTrak, the electronic toll collection system used statewide in California, does not request payment by text with a link to a website,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in issuing a consumer alert about the problem in July.

The FBI warned last April that the problem didn’t just impact California but was related to road toll services in at least three states. At the time, the FBI said its Internet Crime Complaint Center had received 2,000 complaints of smishing attempts since early March.

The FBI’s smishing example included a fake message warning of a small outstanding toll amount with a much higher late fee if the target didn’t pay up.

KCRA 3 has reached out to the FBI for an update on the number of recent complaints.

John Goodwin, a spokesperson with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Bay Area Toll Authority, said he wasn’t sure if there has been an increase in FasTrak text scams lately, but that it “is clear that a lot of California mobile phone customers have received fraudulent text messages over the past several weeks.”

He said that it’s been an ongoing problem since last February.

“The problem has bedeviled mobile phone customers and toll agencies alike almost constantly during this time,” he said. “But the messages change frequently. Broadly speaking, the scamsters’ spelling and syntax has improved, but remain imperfect.”

The website fastrak.org now includes a warning message to disregard phishing texts that detail a specific outstanding toll amount.

What to do if you get one of these texts

The FBI recommends that those who receive one of these texts file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and include the phone number where the text originated and the website that is listed with the text. You should then delete the text message.

If you clicked any link or provided your information, the FBI recommends making efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts.

California’s attorney general says people can also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and his office.

His office also recommends the following tips for avoiding toll scams.
- Don’t rush to click on links or respond to the texts.
- Check with your tolling agency if you’re worried the text is not legit. Only use a phone number or website that you know is real.
- You can also use your phone’s “report junk” feature.
- Once you’ve reported the scam, don’t engage with the sender and instead delete the message.
See news happening? Send us your photos or videos if it’s safe to do so at kcra.com/upload.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
With the rise of electronic toll collection systems like FasTrak in California, scammers are finding new ways to target unsuspecting victims. One recent scam that has been circulating involves fake text messages claiming to be from FasTrak.

Here’s what you need to know about the FasTrak text message scam:

1. The scam typically involves a text message claiming to be from FasTrak, informing the recipient that they have an outstanding toll violation that needs to be paid immediately. The message may include a link or phone number to contact in order to resolve the issue.

2. FasTrak does not typically send text messages about toll violations. If you receive a text message claiming to be from FasTrak, be cautious and do not click on any links or provide any personal information.

3. Do not provide any personal information, such as your social security number, credit card information, or driver’s license number, to anyone claiming to be from FasTrak over text message.

4. If you receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from FasTrak, you can contact FasTrak directly to verify the information. Their official website and customer service number can be found online.

5. Report any suspicious text messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement agency. By reporting these scams, you can help prevent others from falling victim to fraudulent activity.

Remember to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, especially when they involve payment or personal information. Stay informed and stay safe!

Tags:

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January 18, 2025
Scammers target FasTrak drivers with threatening text messages
Scammers are using texts to demand payments for alleged toll road fees.
SAN DIEGO — Scammers are targeting people via text message demanding they pay toll road fees and threatening that if they don’t, they could face legal action. These messages come with a link that can be a risk for people if they click on it and potentially give hackers access to their information.

The Identity Theft Resource Center’s website states reports of toll road scams are rapidly on the rise. The ITRC also mentions they are receiving victim reports impacting people of these scams in several states including California.

CBS 8 spoke to Cristi Harnandez who’s received similar texts on her phone.

“Many, since starting the last week but because but because I always saw the news I start to block the number or delete,” Harnandez said.

SANDAG’s FasTrak website portal has an alert that states “Nationwide Text Scam: If you receive a suspicious text message regarding a toll balance, log in to your FasTrak account online or contact us to verify if the message is legitimate.”

In July, California’s Attorney General issued a consumer alert warning people about text-based toll charge scams. The state’s AG’s office shares some steps to take if you’ve received a toll scam text:
Delete any scam texts received.

File a complaint

Check your account

Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number

Secure your personal information and financial accounts
Beware FasTrak drivers: Scammers are targeting you with threatening text messages!

If you have a FasTrak account, you may have recently received a text message that appears to be from the FasTrak customer service team. The message claims that you have an outstanding balance on your account and threatens legal action if you do not pay immediately.

Do not be fooled by these messages! FasTrak will never ask for payment via text message or threaten legal action in this manner. These scammers are trying to trick you into giving them your personal information or payment details.

If you receive a suspicious text message like this, do not reply or click on any links. Instead, contact FasTrak directly through their official website or customer service hotline to verify the message’s legitimacy.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scammers targeting FasTrak drivers. Stay safe on the roads and online!

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2. Threatening text messages scam
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10. Warning: FasTrak scam text messages
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December 30, 2024
Beware of FasTrak toll road scams – The Pajaronian

A screenshot from the attempted Fastrak scam. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

A scam via mobile phones is sweeping the Central Coast and elsewhere, where people are being told they owe money for using Bay Area toll roads.

Scammers typically pose as toll collectors and send phone text messages stating the recipient owes money, with warnings of late fees, and include a link to a fake website. The legitimate web address should be bayareafastrak.org.

It first came up in a social engineering attack in the Bay Area in 2023, but continues to emerge.

Its prevalence prompted the FBI to issue a scam alert.

In addition, FasTrak—which operates more than 870 lane miles of interoperable tolled bridges, express lanes and roads in the Bay Area—says that drivers should disregard phishing texts being sent to their phones that show a specific outstanding toll amount.

Anyone who receives a phishing text can file a complaint at ic3.gov.

In recent months, there have been reports of FasTrak toll road scams targeting unsuspecting drivers. These scams often involve fake toll booths set up on highways or bridges, where scammers collect cash payments from drivers under the guise of paying tolls.

It’s important for drivers to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect themselves. Here are a few tips to help you avoid falling victim to a FasTrak toll road scam:

1. Be wary of any toll booths that look suspicious or out of place. Legitimate toll booths are typically well-marked and clearly identified as official FasTrak toll collection points.

2. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a toll booth, don’t hesitate to ask the toll collector for identification. Scammers will often try to avoid providing any form of identification or proof of their affiliation with FasTrak.

3. Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior from toll collectors, such as pressuring you to pay in cash or refusing to accept electronic payments. Legitimate toll collectors will always offer multiple payment options and will never pressure you into paying in a specific way.

4. If you suspect that you’ve encountered a FasTrak toll road scam, report it to the authorities immediately. By reporting these scams, you can help prevent other drivers from falling victim to the same scheme.

Remember, it’s always better to be cautious and question any suspicious activity than to fall victim to a scam. Stay vigilant on the road and protect yourself from FasTrak toll road scams.

Tags:

FasTrak toll road scams, Pajaronian news, toll road fraud, avoiding toll road scams, FasTrak scam alert, toll road safety tips

#Beware #FasTrak #toll #road #scams #Pajaronian

December 28, 2024
Hackers target FasTrak drivers with threatening text messages demanding personal information
Hackers target FasTrak drivers

Hackers target FasTrak drivers

02:22

MetroExpress Fastrak lanes are a popular way to dodge Los Angeles’ infamous traffic jams and scammers know it.

They’re targeting LA drivers, the ones who use the lanes, and even drivers who don’t. Hackers are blasting out text messages threatening drivers with big fines and even legal action if they don’t tap a link and enter credit card and other personal information.

Hackers target FasTrak drivers with threatening text messages demanding personal information and money.

KCAL News

“As a matter of fact, I saw it through my mom first. Because she sent me it,” said Adrian Lara.

Lara and his family are among the many drivers who got the text.

“I got it second a couple of days after and she told me not to answer because it’s basically just a scam,” Lara said.

California’s attorney general first warned about the scheme this summer but now it’s sweeping through Southern California again. Metro is being flooded with calls this week and they even have a pop-up warning on its homepage telling people not to respond to the text.

“The ExpressLanes system has not been hacked, and no customer information has been compromised. We are also aware that other FasTrak customers in Southern California are being targeted by scammers,” Metro said in a statement.

The ExpressLanes scam is just one of many ways hackers are targeting people.

“It sounds pretty believable because everybody goes on the express lanes, you know,” Lara said.

If you receive a text or an email soliciting personal or financial information, don’t respond. If you have questions about an issue the best thing to do is contact the organization directly.

“Just delete the message. Just ignore it, just a scam,” Lara said.

More from CBS News

Tom Wait

Tom Wait joined CBS2 and KCAL9 in March 2013 as a general assignment reporter. He covers the Los Angeles metro area and the Inland Empire. He also anchors our streaming network, CBS News Los Angeles. A Southern California native, Tom has worked in New York City, Detroit and Kansas City, Missouri, before coming home.

Hackers Target FasTrak Drivers with Threatening Text Messages Demanding Personal Information

FasTrak users beware! Hackers have been targeting FasTrak drivers with threatening text messages demanding personal information. The messages claim that the recipient’s FasTrak account has been compromised and that they must provide their personal information to prevent further unauthorized charges.

These messages are a scam designed to trick unsuspecting drivers into revealing sensitive information such as their Social Security number, bank account details, or login credentials. It is important to note that FasTrak will never ask for this information via text message or email.

If you receive a text message claiming to be from FasTrak asking for personal information, do not respond. Instead, contact FasTrak directly through their official website or customer service hotline to verify the authenticity of the message.

Stay vigilant and protect your personal information from hackers who are preying on unsuspecting FasTrak users. Remember, when in doubt, always verify the source before providing any sensitive information.

Tags:
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6. FasTrak scam warning: hackers posing as legitimate sources
7. Avoid falling victim to FasTrak phishing attacks
8. Cybercriminals target FasTrak users with threatening texts
9. Tips for staying safe from FasTrak text message scams
10. FasTrak security breach: hackers exploit drivers with fake messages
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December 28, 2024
Go phish! Scammers target FasTrak system users with threatening texts
A phishing text message warning of a legal threat and financial penalties has been hitting users and even non-drivers of Los Angeles County’s Metro ExpressLanes.

The spam has led to a flood of complaints from Metro ExpressLanes users, who have been calling the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority seeking verification and advice, Metro authorities have noted.

Metro officials said they posted a warning about the fraudulent text messages on their homepage as soon as they became aware of the scam.

“The ExpressLanes system has not been hacked, and no customer information has been compromised,” the message said.

Metro ExpressLanes are restricted lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways that motorists can use to speed past traffic on regular lanes. Users pay tolls that are based on dynamic pricing that adjusts according to the level of traffic. The tolls are collected through a FaTrak transponder mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard.

Metro could not confirm how many messages have been sent out, the number of complaints they received or when they believed messages were first sent.

“Metro ExpressLanes reminds customers that we never send text messages asking for sensitive information or requesting payment,” a statement from Metro read. “If a text message claims to be from Metro ExpressLanes regarding tolls or violations, do not respond to the message, do not use any links in the message, and do not use any contact information provided in the message.”

The Federal Trade Commission classifies phishing as a type of scam in which targeted users receive a communication such as an email or text message that appears to be from a well-known source, such as a company or agency.

The message asks the user to enter personal information that the scammer will use to open a bank account, for instance, or cause some other financial harm to the individual scammed.

The FTC also asks consumers to avoid responding to the messages.

The scam messages in question have been telling receivers to pay their FasTrak bill by a specific date in order to “avoid excessive late fees and potential legal action on the bill.”

A phishing link is provided that should not be clicked on.

In several cases, the phone number from which the text message originates is multiple digits longer than a US-based 10-digit number.

Metro officials have said they believe the scammers have been targeting individuals through various area codes and have been hitting FasTrak drivers and non-users alike.

There are 25 miles of ExpressLanes throughout the 10 and 110 freeways, according to Metro. There are also 1.6 million transponders assigned to county drivers with 342.1 million trips made this year, as of early November.

However, the FasTrak pass can be used outside of Los Angeles, such as on the 405 Freeway in Orange County, the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino County, the 15 Freeway, which cuts through San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and several other express lanes.

As for the scams, they’ve hit motorists in various areas from San Francisco in March to Sonoma County in April and San Diego in July.

State Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta issued a statement on July 1, urging Californians not to click on the link in the texts.

“Scammers are often quite literally in our pockets, just a text away,” Bonta said. “Text-based toll charge scams are on the rise and knowing what to look for is an important way to keep consumers safe against these tactics.”

Attention all FasTrak users! Beware of scammers targeting the FasTrak system with threatening texts. These scammers are attempting to phish for personal information by sending messages claiming that your FasTrak account is in jeopardy and that you must click on a link to verify your information.

Remember, FasTrak will never ask you to verify your account information via text message. If you receive a suspicious text, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, contact FasTrak directly to report the scam.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these phishing attempts. Don’t fall for the bait – go phish!

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8. Protecting your FasTrak account
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December 28, 2024
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Don’t let a faulty ignition switch keep you from mowing your lawn – order our 045898 ignition switch and key set today and get back to work in no time!
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December 17, 2024

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