Illinois residents have been alerted about an alarming rise in phishing scams targeting drivers across the state. Scammers are posing as the Illinois Tollway, tricking people into believing they owe unpaid tolls and attempting to steal their personal information. The Illinois Tollway has issued a warning, urging residents to stay vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
What is Happening?
The Illinois Tollway has reported an increase in phishing messages that appear to come from the agency, claiming that recipients have outstanding toll payments. These texts, which can look very official, include specific toll amounts and direct individuals to click on a link to settle their accounts. While the messages may appear legitimate, they are fraudulent attempts to steal money and sensitive personal information.
According to McAfee, a well-known antivirus software company, Chicago is now one of the top five U.S. cities targeted by phishing scammers, just behind Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. This highlights how widespread the issue has become, affecting many residents of Illinois who rely on the tollway system daily.
Does the Illinois Tollway Send Texts for Payments?
The short answer is no. The Illinois Tollway has confirmed that it does not contact customers via text to request payment or personal information. In a statement released on its official website, the Tollway explained that any requests regarding toll payments or customer account details are made through its official online platform, not via text messages. They clarified that they do not use third-party websites or external entities to collect customer information.
“Any requests by the Illinois Tollway pertaining to customer account information are made through the tollway’s official website,” the statement reads. “We DO NOT use non-tollway entities – third-party websites – to collect or modify customer account information.”
In addition to text messages, the Tollway stressed that they never send emails asking for sensitive personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or credit card details. If you receive a message asking for this kind of information, it’s a scam.
What Do These Scam Texts Look Like?
While the content of these scam texts can vary slightly, they all follow a similar pattern. The messages typically begin by stating that the recipient has an outstanding toll balance, followed by a specific amount owed. For example, a message like this might read, “I-PASS Toll Violation Notice: This is a final reminder regarding an outstanding toll balance on your account.” The text then includes a link that supposedly leads to a payment portal.
However, the link in the message will never direct you to the official Illinois Tollway website. Instead, it will take you to a fraudulent page designed to trick you into entering sensitive personal information. If you receive such a message, it’s essential not to click on the link and to delete the message immediately.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Scam Text?
If you receive a suspicious text that appears to be from the Illinois Tollway, there are several important steps you should take:
- Do Not Click the Link: Do not click on any links or download attachments included in the message. Phishing attempts often trick you into clicking on these links.
- Forward the Message: If you think the message may be from the Illinois Tollway, forward it to their official email at info@getipass.com for verification. They can confirm whether the message is legitimate.
- Delete the Message: Once you’ve forwarded the message for verification, delete it from both your inbox and the deleted items folder. This ensures it won’t resurface later.
- Check Your Account: To verify whether you actually owe any tolls, visit the official Illinois Tollway website at illinoistollway.com. You can log into your account to check your balance and ensure there are no unpaid tolls. If you’re unsure, you can call the customer service center at 1-800-824-7277, available on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Report the Scam: You should also report any phishing attempt to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. Reporting helps authorities track down these fraudsters and prevent further scams.
How to Identify Fake Links
One of the most common signs that a link is fake is that it doesn’t match the official Illinois Tollway website address. Scammers often use fake URLs that resemble the real website but include unusual characters or extra letters. The links in phishing texts typically appear similar to the official URL, but they will redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal your data.
Here are some examples of fake URLs commonly used in phishing messages:
- paytollbysuab[dot]top/pay
- thetollroads-paytollhmm[dot]world
- thetollroads-paytollxtd[dot]world/us
- thetollroads-paytollwpc[dot]world/us
If the URL seems odd or doesn’t exactly match the Illinois Tollway website, it’s a clear sign that it’s a phishing attempt. Always double-check the URL and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.
What is Phishing and Smishing?
Phishing and smishing are two types of cybercrime that involve fraudulently obtaining personal information. Phishing usually involves fraudulent emails that look like they’re from a trusted source, such as a bank or a government agency. These emails are designed to steal sensitive data like your password, social security number, or credit card details.
Smishing, on the other hand, is a form of phishing that uses text messages (SMS) instead of emails. The goal of smishing is the same: to trick the recipient into revealing personal information or clicking on a malicious link.
Stay Safe and Protect Your Information
The Illinois Tollway is urging all residents to stay alert and protect their personal information. As phishing and smishing scams become more sophisticated, it’s crucial to be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages that ask for payment or personal details.
If you’re ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a message, don’t hesitate to visit the official website or contact customer service directly. By staying informed and following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.
Disclaimer: Our team meticulously fact-checked this article to ensure accuracy and transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
