Watch Out! Another Convincing Toll Scam Targeting New York Phones

A convincing new scam is tricking New Yorkers into handing over their banking information.

Lately, my phone has been blowing up with scam messages that have me thinking, "Could this be anymore obvious?"

But not everyone is tech savvy and might not know they are being targeted.

Read More: Massive Remote Job Scam Steals $2 Million from New Yorkers

A new scam, however, isn't as easy to spot and has already tricked several people into revealing their personal and banking information.

It is sophisticated enough that my own parents almost fell for it.

Here's what the messages looked like.

If these texts gave you pause, you're not alone. They are somewhat believable.

As you can see, these messages came from two different senders yet they purported the same message that seemed legitimate.

The message reads:

Your vehicle has an unpaid toll bill. To avoid excessive late fees on your bill, please settle it promptly. Thank you for your cooperation! Total amount: $6.99

The message then directs the recipient to visit a website to clear their slate.

Considering the bill amount seems relatively minor and how everyone pretty much drives on toll roads, it's easy to see why people could be fooled.

However, here's what you need to ask yourself in order for the wheels to fall off this particular ruse: How did these people get your phone number from your car?

While your E-ZPass may have your number on file, all electronic toll bills are sent to the physical address linked to your license plate via the Department of Motor Vehicles.

That's because there is no way to link a phone number to a license plate.

Aura.com reports license plates are not connected to your name, social security number or your driver's license number by law.

All that information is protected by the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which ensures people without just cause can't glean personal information by running your plates.

That, and, E-ZPass nor Tolls By Mail cannot collect fees via text message or email. They can only do so by sending invoices via snail mail.

Lastly, the most glaring issue in this latest text scam is that the sender doesn't identify themselves nor does it mention a car make or model, license plate and what road the unpaid toll is for.

It just says "your vehicle has an unpaid toll bill" with the intent the recipient fills in the blanks - meaning this message is blasted out like a massive fish net, hoping that it reaches enough victims.

In all, this scam really falls apart to those aware of this information. And now that you are caught up to speed, now you know these messages are completely fake and should be deleted.

Get our free mobile app