Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland
Consumers have contacted Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) Serving Greater Cleveland with concerns about text messages from scammers looking to capitalize on Ohio’s recent changes to its toll collection system. Ohio’s toll collection system, E-ZPass, started allowing consumers with transponders to continue traveling through toll lanes without stopping. As a result, scammers began sending mass text messages about fake unpaid tolls to area residents.
A Westlake consumer told BBB that they “received a text from the Ohio Toll Service claiming that I had a $11.39 unpaid toll with a threat of an additional $50 penalty if not paid.” The scammer also provided a link for the consumer to “pay” their fake toll. Parma and Grafton consumers also told BBB they received a text about owing money from Sunpass Toll Services, a toll system used in Florida.
Since the E-ZPass system is used by some other neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and Illinois, the FBI released a statement on April 12th that stated: “Since early March 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 2,000 complaints reporting smishing texts representing road toll collection service.”
They also warned that the scam may be moving from state to state. Soon after, on April 22, the Ohio Turnpike Commission issued a notice about this scam that stated “Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass does not request payments by text. Collections of unpaid toll and/or toll violations does (sic) not occur by text.” Additionally, the Ohio Turnpike Commission noted, “The only website links associated with Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass are www.ezpassoh.com and www.ohioturnpike.org.”
Sue McConnell, President and CEO of BBB Cleveland, says, “We are alerting consumers to report and then delete these smishing text messages. Consumers can submit a BBB Scam Tracker report and file a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).”
BBB Serving Greater Cleveland is providing these tips for consumers who are looking to avoid text message phishing scams:
- Verify your outstanding toll balance with the legitimate agency. Instead of clicking on the link in the text message, go to your web browser, find the toll service’s actual website, and log in to your account to verify if you have any outstanding toll payments. Another way to verify this is by calling the toll service’s customer service line. Do not call the phone number that texted you or any phone numbers included in the text message. Instead, find the toll service’s legitimate phone number on their website.
- Know the warning signs of a fake text. If you receive an unusual text message, there are several things to look for to help you identify if it’s fake. Read BBB’s tips on spotting the red flags of fake text messages.
- Don’t click on links or download files that are unexpectedly texted to you. It may be hard to identify if a link sent in a text message is safe. Scammers can disguise a URL to appear legitimate when it isn’t.
- Block the number and delete the message. Do not engage with the scammer if you believe you received a fake text message. Instead, block the phone number and delete the text message. Refusing to engage and blocking the phone number can help prevent scammers from contacting you again.
- If you receive a text message impersonating a road toll collection service, report it. You can file a report with BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others about this new scam. In addition, file a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
For more information, visit BBB.org. BBB recommends individuals to report scams, regardless of whether or not they have lost money, to BBB.org/ScamTracker. These reports can help others avoid falling victim to fraud. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
Photo courtesy ohioturnpike.org
