Let’s talk about scams. Not the “Nigerian prince” kind (though those are still out there, bless their hearts), but the modern, sneaky, “Hey, you owe us money” kind. You know, like the fake toll text messages that are making the rounds lately. According to the FBI, scammers are sending out texts claiming you have unpaid tolls, complete with a handy link to “pay up.” Spoiler alert: it’s a trap.
‘Merrill said the volume of SMS phishing attacks spoofing toll road operators skyrocketed after the New Year, when at least one Chinese cybercriminal group known for selling sophisticated SMS phishing kits began offering new phishing pages designed to spoof toll operators in various US states,’ Krebs wrote.
Here’s the thing: scammers love insecure channels. Text messages, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, emails—you name it. Why? Because these platforms are easy to exploit, and let’s face it, most of us don’t think twice before clicking a link from a number that looks legit. But here’s a fun fact: anyone can spoof a phone number. Yes, even yours. Our phone system is about as secure as a screen door on a submarine, and scammers are taking full advantage.
So, what’s the lesson here? Don’t trust unsolicited bills. Heck, don’t even trust solicited bills without verifying them first. If you get a text about unpaid tolls, don’t click the link. If you get an email from your “bank” asking for payment, don’t reply. If someone calls you demanding money, hang up. Scammers are counting on you to panic and act without thinking. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
Instead, go to the source. If you’re worried about unpaid tolls, visit the official toll website or call their customer service number (the one you look up yourself, not the one in the text). If you get a suspicious email from your bank, log in to your account directly or call the number on the back of your card. And if someone calls you demanding payment, tell them you’ll call them back—then verify their identity through an official channel.
Here’s the bottom line: in the world of cybersecurity, common sense is your best defense. Don’t trust unsolicited messages. Don’t click random links. And for the love of all things tech, don’t assume that caller ID is telling you the truth. Our phone system is a Wild West of spoofing and scams, and until someone fixes it (looking at you, telecom companies), the burden is on us to stay vigilant.
As an IT consultant specializing in cybersecurity and risk mitigation, I’ve seen firsthand how these scams can wreak havoc. But the good news is, you don’t have to be a tech expert to protect yourself. You just need to be skeptical, verify everything, and remember: if it seems too good (or too scary) to be true, it probably is.
So, the next time you get a text about unpaid tolls, do yourself a favor: delete it, laugh at the audacity, and pat yourself on the back for not falling for it. And if you’re ever unsure about a message or call, reach out to a professional (like yours truly) to help you navigate the murky waters of cybersecurity. Because let’s be real—scammers may be clever, but they’re no match for a little common sense and a lot of skepticism.