Warning: Don’t Fall for the FAKE Ilroads.com Scam Texts

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Written by: Thomas Orsolya

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A new text message scam related to unpaid tolls on Illinois tollways is circulating. Scammers are sending out text messages pretending to be from Illinois Tollway Services and tricking people into paying fake unpaid toll invoices on the Ilroads.com scam website.

This article will provide an in-depth overview of how this scam works, how to identify it, and what to do if you receive one of these fraudulent text messages.

Illinois scam

Scam Overview

The Ilroads.com text message scam involves receiving a text that appears to be from a legitimate source, claiming you have unpaid toll invoices. The message urges you to visit a website to settle your “balance” and avoid additional fees. However, the website is fraudulent and set up to steal your money and personal information.

This scam is particularly deceiving because it uses the real name of the official Illinois Tollway website, IllinoisTollway.com. By slightly modifying it to Ilroads.com, it tricks people into thinking the message is legitimate.

The text will say something like:

“Illinois Tollway, our records indicate your vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. To avoid additional charges of $75.90, please settle your balance of $7.59 at https://ilroads.com.”

This gives the impression the text is from the Illinois Tollway authority and your account specifically has an outstanding invoice that must be addressed. However, it is completely false and fabricated by scammers to steal your money.

illinois scam2

Some other key facts about this scam:

  • Sends texts from a variety of numbers to throw off suspicions. The texts are not actually from one legitimate source.
  • May include specific details like a fake unpaid balance, invoice numbers, threats of additional fees if not paid immediately
  • Directs victims to visit the fraudulent Ilroads.com site to enter payment info
  • The site is designed to steal credit card and personal info for identity theft and other fraud
  • Illinois Tollway never contacts drivers via text message about unpaid tolls

This extremely deceptive scam has already targeted drivers across Illinois, tricking unsuspecting people into paying fake invoices and handing over their personal information. It is important to be aware of this con and recognize the red flags so you do not get scammed.

How the Scam Works

The Ilroads.com text message scam operates systematically to deceive victims into believing they owe money and must pay an outstanding toll invoice. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam works:

  1. You receive a text message – The first step is receipt of a text message that appears to come from the Illinois Tollway. It will contain the Illinois Tollway name or logo and claim you have an unpaid toll invoice.
  2. Scam text includes urgent details – The text specifies an exact unpaid “balance” you supposedly owe, such as $7.59. It also threatens additional fees if you do not pay immediately, such as $75.90. This makes the invoice seem legitimate and pressures you to act quickly.
  3. Text directs you to fake website – The scam text includes a link to visit the fraudulent website Ilroads.com. This site looks like the real Illinois Tollway site, but it is fake.
  4. Fake site requests personal/payment info – Once on the site, you are prompted to enter personal and payment details to pay the “unpaid toll invoice.” This is where your information gets stolen.
  5. Scammers collect your details – By inputting info, the scammers now have your full name, address, phone number, credit card details, and any other requested info.
  6. Scammers use your details for identity theft – With your personal and financial information, the scammers can now commit identity theft and other fraud in your name.
  7. You lose money to fraudulent “invoices” – Many victims end up also losing money by paying the fake toll invoices with their credit cards or bank accounts.
  8. Scammers disappear – Once scammers collect victims’ details and payments, they take down the scam website and disappear with your information and money.

The multi-step process is carefully orchestrated to manipulate victims at every stage. Understanding each part of the scam is key so you can recognize it before getting tricked.

What to Do if You Get This Scam Text

If you receive a text message claiming to be from Illinois Tollway Services about an unpaid toll invoice, here are the key steps to take:

  • Do not click any links – As soon as you identify it as fraudulent, do not visit the scam website. This is how they steal your information.
  • Call Illinois Tollway to confirm – Contact the official Illinois Tollway directly at 1-800-UC-IPASS to ask about any texts and confirm if you actually have unpaid tolls.
  • Report the scam text – Alert Illinois Tollway officials about the fraudulent texts at contactus@getipass.com. Also report it to the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
  • Watch for credit card fraud – If you did input your credit card information, watch your statements closely for any fraudulent charges. Report them immediately.
  • Enroll in credit monitoring – Consider enrolling in credit monitoring to protect yourself against potential identity theft.
  • Change any reused passwords – If you reuse passwords across accounts, change them for any other accounts that had the same password.
  • Warn others – Share this scam information with friends and family so they know to watch for these fraudulent texts too. The more people aware of the scam, the less victims.

Being proactive and vigilant against this scam is key, and informing others is crucial to help prevent more innocent people from falling for it.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ilroads.com Text Scam

1. What is the Ilroads.com text scam?

The Ilroads.com text scam involves receiving a fraudulent text message claiming you have unpaid tolls and owing money. The text directs you to a fake website to steal your personal and payment information. The website is not associated with the official Illinois Tollway.

2. How does the Illinois Tollway text scam work?

You will receive a text claiming to be from Illinois Tollway saying you have an unpaid invoice for tolls. It specifies an amount you supposedly owe and threatens additional fees if not paid immediately. The text includes a link to the fake Ilroads.com site. If you go to the site and enter your information, the scammers steal it.

3. What details do the scam texts include?

The fraudulent texts often specify a fake unpaid balance you owe, around $5-$10. They also threaten extra charges if not paid quickly, like $50-$100 more. The texts use the real Illinois Tollway name to add legitimacy.

4. What happens if you click the link in the text?

The link goes to the fake Ilroads.com website. This fraudulent site is designed to steal your personal information and credit card details when you input them to pay the “unpaid toll balance.”

5. How can you tell if a text is the Illinois Tollway scam?

Look for texts requesting toll payments and threatening extra fees. Specifically look for any links going to Ilroads.com, which is not associated with Illinois Tollway. Real Illinois Tollway texts would go to IllinoisTollway.com.

6. What should you do if you get the Illinois Tollway text scam?

Do not click any links or provide information. Call Illinois Tollway to confirm if you actually have unpaid tolls. Report the scam text to Illinois Tollway and the FCC. Watch for credit card fraud if you did enter details.

7. How can you protect yourself from the Illinois Tollway text scam?

Know that Illinois Tollway does not contact drivers by text for unpaid tolls. Verify any texts directly with Illinois Tollway. Look for slight differences in website names. Never click links in suspicious texts.

8. How can I report the Illinois Tollway text scam?

Contact Illinois Tollway directly to report fraudulent texts at 1-800-UC-IPASS. You can also file complaints about scam texts with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.

9. How widespread is the Illinois Tollway text scam?

The scam has targeted drivers across Illinois. The fraudsters continuously change the phone numbers texts come from and set up new scam website variations. Be vigilant against this constantly evolving scam.

10. How can I avoid toll text scams in Illinois?

Know Illinois Tollway only contacts drivers by mail about unpaid tolls, never text. Verify any text messages indicating you owe toll payments before providing information or clicking links. Search online to confirm legitimate contact information.

The Bottom Line

The Ilroads.com text message scam is a deception designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting drivers under the guise of unpaid toll invoices. Understanding how the scam operates, never clicking suspicious text links, and reporting the scam texts is critical. Being aware of this fraud is the key to protecting yourself and your financial information. Don’t let scammers take you for a ride.

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