If you get a text asking you to pay a North Carolina highway toll, don’t do it

Photo byTRAVIS LONG

A new scam involving fake toll payment requests is targeting North Carolina residents. The N.C. Turnpike Authority has alerted the public about fraudulent text messages claiming that recipients owe toll money and directing them to bogus websites to make payments. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself from this scam:

Scam Details

• Scam Type: Text messages ("smishing") pretending to be from the N.C. Turnpike Authority.
• Claim: You owe money for tolls and must pay via a provided link.
• Reality: Both the texts and the websites they link to are fake.

Official N.C. Turnpike Authority Practices

• The authority never requests toll payments via text messages.
• Official payments for the N.C. Quick Pass program should be made through their website.

What to Do if You Receive a Scam Message

1. File a Complaint: Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Include the phone number and the web address provided in the text.
2. Check Your Account: Log into your N.C. Quick Pass account at www.ncquickpass.com to verify your toll status.
3. Contact Customer Service: Inform the Quick Pass customer service center at 877-769-7277 about the scam message. The authority has already received over 2,000 calls about the scam.
4. Delete the Text: Remove the scam message from your phone.
5. Secure Your Information: If you clicked any links or provided personal information, take steps to secure your accounts. Monitor and dispute any unfamiliar charges.

Additional Precautions

• Be Skeptical: Always verify unsolicited messages, especially those requesting payment.
• Official Channels: Use official websites and contact numbers for any payments or account verifications.

Impact and Awareness

The N.C. Turnpike Authority and the FBI are working to raise awareness about this scam, which is part of a broader trend affecting toll road users across the country. Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from such fraudulent schemes.