Drivers struck the fraud texts in Fastac – here what you should pay attention to

Drivers all over the country are sent a fraud text message asking them to pay unpaid fees for Fastrak.

Why do it matter

Millions of Americans are at risk of deception due to fraudulent text messages. Those who fall into fraud can eventually share their personal information such as the social security number and their bank account if they participate with the fraudsters.

Another script fraud that makes it look like it comes from Ezdrivema, a Massachusetts collection system, recently circulated.

What do you know

The Federal Trade Committee (FTC) estimates that billions of dollars are lost to fraudsters every year, with some of these of the text -based fraud such as Fastac, and they asked drivers to pay unpaid fees.

In 2022 alone, $ 8.8 billion was stolen, according to FTC.

The latest fraud on the text is the FastTrack fraud.

While Fastrak is a state level -level driving system in California, the texts come from fraudsters, asking users to pay their unpaid fees in order to “avoid a fine and keep your license.” However, when people click on the link to provide a boost, they can lose their personal details, including or even identity account information.

How do Fastac’s fraud texts look like?

Fastrak texts were reported to create a false sense of urgency, and drivers were asked to pay their fees with a specific date, more fines, or even the loss of their drivers licenses.

In one of the text of the Fastrak fraud with NewsweekRead the message: “Please pay the Fasttrack Lane fees by February 4, 2025. To avoid the fine and keep your license, you can pay,” before revealing a link to make the alleged payment.

One of the clear signs that the text of the deceptive is the dictation of Forestac with Fasttrack, but the fraudsters can also use the correct dictation to give the victims a false sense of safety.

What to do if you receive the text of a fraud process

If you end up as a recipient of one of these fraud texts, experts say to immediately report the message that it is not desirable and prohibited the number.

However, you can also report the message to FTC or notify your phone company for additional protection.

What people say

Kevin Thompson, a financial expert, executive and founder of the 9i Capital Group, said, Newsweek: “I noticed that first when I started receiving these texts even though my Tolltag account is on automatic payment and completely talking. This raised the red flag. I went directly to the official website to verify my account status and confirmed that there was no fraudulent activity.”

Alex Ben told the Tennessee University’s financial literacy coach in Martin, Newsweek: “One of the main problems in the Fastrak fraud process for those who are targeted is the extent of the authenticity of the formulations on the texts used. Many texts provide the date of alleged losses and demand if the recipient needs to pay immediately to avoid any fees. Whether they owe any unpaid amounts of paid the official channels for the payments is the only way you should contact Fastrak.

” Newsweek: “The fees are increasing to pay for road repairs and improvements. Unfortunately, this also led to more fraud in losses, as fraudsters benefit from the large number of real losses and create false messages to deceive people.”

Jane Martin, the head of fraud and demands in citizens, told the citizens, Newsweek: “The fraudsters collect the identity of the victims to commit identity theft, such as opening bank accounts, credit cards and loans. They will be collected to make fraudulent purchases.”

What happens after that

If you receive an unexpected number via text or email, you should always make sure to avoid clicking on any links and instead of visiting the official Toll service site to check any unpaid bills.

“Be cautious about messages that create a sense of urgency or fear, such as the threats of suspension of account or legal procedures. These are common tactics that you use to make people behave quickly without thinking about it,” Tabbei added.