If You Received a Message Regarding Unpaid Tolls or Fines, Check This Before Clicking | Carscoops

      Illinois Secretary of State warns residents to disregard fraudulent texts regarding violations and toll payments

       9 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Stephen Rivers

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Illinois alerts citizens about scam messages claiming unpaid tolls or tickets.

      The state asserts that it does not send texts regarding license or registration matters.

      Motorists are advised against clicking on links or disclosing any personal information.

      Scammers are perpetually on the lookout for new schemes and rarely take a break. A particularly aggressive tactic has prompted Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to publicly address the issue, issuing a warning that transcends state boundaries.

      Daily, individuals are receiving texts about traffic infractions and outstanding tolls. Giannoulias states that these messages are nearly always phishing attempts aimed at tricking unsuspecting individuals into handing over money to fraudsters.

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      The deceptive texts usually notify recipients that their vehicle registration or driving privileges are at imminent risk of suspension if payment is not made immediately. To increase the sense of urgency, these texts often feature official-sounding terminology and links that seem legitimate but lead to fraudulent payment websites or data-collection platforms.

      

      

      Increase in Scams During Holidays

      Giannoulias mentions that these scams tend to surge during the holiday period when individuals are preoccupied, traveling, or dealing with higher expenses.

      “Phishing scams remain a significant threat, especially during the holidays, as criminals continually attempt to steal the personal information and hard-earned money of Illinois residents,” he stated.

      The official further clarified that his office does not send texts regarding driver’s license status, vehicle registration issues, toll violations, fines, or enforcement measures. The only texts sent from his office are reminders for scheduled DMV appointments.

      In simpler terms (and applicable to virtually any state), any correspondence claiming to be from the state about unpaid tickets, tolls, or license suspensions, particularly those demanding prompt payment, should be regarded with skepticism.

      

      

      Steps to Take Upon Receiving One

      Residents are advised against clicking on any links, responding to the messages, or sharing personal information. Instead, those receiving such messages should consider doing one of a few things. First, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

      Though it may seem minor, this action aids authorities in tracking patterns and potentially shutting down scammers at the source. Second, if there's any doubt about the authenticity of a text, contact the relevant government office using the contact information from their official website, rather than the one provided in the text itself.