Toll scam arrives in NC: How to know if a bill by text is fraudulent

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority and the FBI are warning about a new scam going around involving toll roads.

Scammers are sending text messages telling North Carolinians they have unpaid toll fees, but it’s just a ploy to get your money.

Viewers said they knew the text was a scam when they received it thanks to the 5 on Your Side report.

An alert by federal investigators said there have been more than 2,000 complaints about this scam since early March.

People are getting a text asking them to click on a link and pay a toll bill to avoid a late fee. But the alert said that link goes to a site created to impersonate a state’s toll road service. The scam appears to be moving from state-to-state.

At the time of earlier reports, North Carolina officials said the scam had not made its way here, but by the weekend it had. 5 On Your Side received seven messages from viewers telling us they got it and dodged it because they knew what it really was.

"It's just shameful," said Pat Smith, who received a scam text. "That we're living in an environment now where people are always trying to take something that's not theirs."

In a release sent first to 5 On Your Side, the NC Turnpike Authority says the targeted phone numbers in this scam seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

According to the FBI, more than 2,000 people across the country got a similar text. The bottom line is NC Quick Pass will never reach out to you for payment by text. Don’t fall for it. Thankfully, Smith didn’t fall for it.

"Always be alert when someone sends you something via text, or even a phone call," Smith said.

One scam text comes from an area code that traces back to Saskatchewan, Canada. There’s no such thing as “North Carolina Toll Services” as the text states.

There are two easy ways to know if the text you’re getting about a toll bill is legitimate or not.

• NC Quick Pass will never request payment by text
• All links associated with NC Quick Pass will include ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com.

According to the FBI, the scam text resembles something like this: (State Toll Service Name): We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50, visit myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.

The FBI says if you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested:

• File a complaint with the IC3, ic3.gov, be sure to include:
  • The phone number from where the text originated.
  • The website listed within the text
• Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
• Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
• Delete any smishing texts received.
• If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.