Highway drivers targeted with toll fine text message – but 3 words are red flag

SCAMMERS are targeting drivers who use a popular highway lane in Los Angeles by sending threatening text messages.

Drivers who normally use popular MetroExpress Fastrak lanes in the City of Angels have begun receiving strange, demanding text messages from an unknown sender.

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Metro ExpressLanes are restricted lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways that drivers can use to bypass traffic on regular lanes.

Users must pay tolls that are based on dynamic pricing that adjusts according to the level of traffic.

The tolls are collected through a FasTrak transponder mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard.

The strange messages are threatening drivers with hefty fines and legal action if they don’t tap on the provided link and enter their credit card and personal information.

But Metro Express officials are warning drivers that scammers are sending the text messages.

The company confirmed that its tolling system had not been hacked and provided users with helpful tips on how to spot fraudulent messages.

“Metro ExpressLanes reminds customers that we never send text messages asking for sensitive information or requesting payments,” the company said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times.

“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.”

Metro ExpressLanes said scammers have targeted several of its customers in Southern California.

Andrian Lara said her mother forwarded her the suspicious text after it appeared on her phone.

“As a matter of fact, I saw it through my mom first,” Lara told CBS News.

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

Lara admitted the text seemed genuine.

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

Cristi Hernandez received a suspicious text.

“Many, since starting the last week, but because I always saw the news, I start to block the number or delete it,” Hernandez told CBS affiliate KFMB-TV.

The Federal Trade Commission classifies the type of text messages being sent around as a phishing scam.

Phishing is a type of scam where 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 or cause financial harm to the victim.

Officials have warned people who receive a text or email asking for their personal or financial information not to respond and, instead, delete the message.

California’s attorney general also cautioned potential victims during the summer to check their bank accounts, contact the toll service’s customer service phone number, and secure their personal information and financial accounts.

Bank tips for avoiding scams

As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam:

• Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
• Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
• Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
• Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
• Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
• Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
• Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.

Source: Chase.com