Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming you have outstanding toll fees that must be paid immediately. Don’t fall for it! This article provides an in-depth overview of how the NC Quick Pass toll scam works, what to do if you receive one of these scam texts, and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Overview of the NC Quick Pass Toll Scam
The NC Quick Pass toll scam involves receiving a text message claiming you have unpaid toll fees that must be paid immediately to avoid penalties. The message will include a link to a fake website that looks like the official NC Quick Pass site but is designed to steal your personal and payment information.
This scam has targeted drivers in North Carolina and beyond, seeking to capitalize on the large number of drivers with Quick Pass transponders. With a convincing domain name and urgent threats of legal action or penalties, the scam messages are prompting many recipients to input their info without realizing it’s a fraud.
Scale of the Problem
According to the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, tens of thousands of fake NC Quick Pass texts have been sent in waves over the past year. While it’s difficult to quantify the exact number of victims, authorities believe a substantial number of people have fallen for the scam and exposed their personal data.
The Turnpike Authority has issued warnings on its website and social media channels cautioning drivers about the fraudulent texts. However, the scammers continue to blanket cell networks with new scam message variants seeking to fool recipients.
How the Scammers Obtain Phone Numbers
It remains unclear exactly how the scammers obtain the phone numbers used in this scam. Most likely, they are purchasing phone and name databases on the dark web. With an influx of breached data from major hacks of retailers and other companies, many people’s names, numbers, and addresses can be found on black market sites.
Scammers may also be using phone number spoofing techniques to mimic real NC Quick Pass phone numbers and make the texts appear credible. This masking of the true originating number is an evasion technique to avoid detection and blocking.
Variants of the Scam
While the scam messages share the same basic characteristics, there are some wording variations and different web links used. Here are some examples:
- Final notice from NC Quick Pass. Your account shows unpaid tolls of $4.75. Pay now at https://pay-nctp.com/unpaid-tolls/index.php?id=3502918 to avoid penalties.
- NC Quick Pass: Our records indicate $9.50 in unpaid tolls on your account. Take action now at https://nctollway.serveusers.com to settle payment and prevent further action against your account.
- URGENT from NC Quick Pass – Our system shows unpaid toll fees linked to your account. Pay now at https://ncquickpasstolls.com/settlement/index.php?acct=481029 before we begin our debt collection process.
As you can see, the scam artists change the web links, toll amount, threats of penalties, and sense of urgency to try and stay one step ahead. But the same goal remains – trick drivers into entering their information on the fake sites.
How the NC Quick Pass Toll Scam Works
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take an in-depth look at how this scam unfolds and why it’s so effective at deceiving recipients into giving up their personal data.
Step 1 – Receive the Fake Text
The scam begins when a driver receives an SMS text message claiming to be from NC Quick Pass and stating there are unpaid tolls linked to their account. The message is sent from a local North Carolina phone number to add credibility.
Based on the wording, the recipient is led to believe if they don’t pay promptly, they will face penalties or even legal consequences. Some variants warn of damage to the victim’s credit score.
NC Quick Pass Final Reminder: You have an outstanding toll.Your toll account balance is
outstanding. If you fail to pay by March 17, 2025. You will be penalized or subject to legal action.
Now Payment:
https://ncquickpass .com-orh.xin/
(Please reply Y, then exit the SMS and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it)
Please settle your toll immediately after reading this message to avoid penalties for delaying the payment.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Step 2 – Visit the Fake Website
The text includes a link to what appears to be the official NC Quick Pass website where the victim can settle the unpaid tolls. However, the scammers control this domain and have designed the site to mimic the real NC Quick Pass site.
Many recipients will click the link on their phones without realizing it’s taking them to a scam site. The web domains used in the messages look convincing at first glance.
Step 3 – Enter Personal and Payment Information
Once on the fake NC Quick Pass site, the victim will be prompted to enter their name, address, phone number, email address, and payment card details to settle the unpaid toll fees.
To complete the ruse, the site looks just like the real NC Quick Pass site, with the state logo, branding, and standard web forms. But any data entered will go to the scammers, not the real NC Quick Pass system.
Step 4 – Scammers Steal Entered Data
With each victim who enters their information, the scammers obtain names, contact info, addresses, birth dates, and payment card details including numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes.
This wealth of personal data can be used by the criminals to commit identity theft or make fraudulent purchases and transfers. And the victim is still no closer to actually paying their outstanding tolls if they did indeed have any.
Step 5 – Deletion of Evidence
Within 1-2 days after victims enter their info, the fraudulent NC Quick Pass domains used in the scam are usually deactivated. This makes it harder for authorities to trace the scam and link it to specific cybercriminal groups.
For victims, it also means the fake payment page is gone, deleting evidence they can show their bank or credit card company to dispute the charges.
Warning Signs of the NC Quick Pass Toll Scam
Now that you understand the step-by-step process, here are some key warning signs to recognize these scam text messages:
- Generic greetings like “Hello” or no personalized info – legitimate messages address you by name.
- Threats of penalties, legal action, or credit damage for non-payment. Real reminders don’t use intimidation.
- Links to payment sites that don’t start with https://www.ncquickpass.com/ – verify the domain is official.
- Strange area codes on the sender phone number – scammers use spoofing.
- Requests to reply Y or click the link again to activate it – odd verification steps.
- Pressuring urgent timelines demanding immediate payment. Real toll agencies give reasonable notice.
- Spelling and grammatical errors – a dead giveaway of scams.
- Follow-up messages requesting more info if you respond or click the link.
Trust your instincts if a text raises flags. Don’t click suspicious links or provide information to unverified sources. Contact the real NC Quick Pass if you have any doubts.
What to Do If You Get the NC Quick Pass Toll Scam Text
If you receive one of these fraudulent NC Quick Pass texts, here are the key steps to take:
1. Avoid clicking any links
If you get a scam text, don’t click the link even if you think the website looks legitimate. This can install malware on your device or expose your data. The safest move is to ignore the message.
2. Forward the text to 7726
Forward scam text messages to 7726 free of charge. This helps your carrier identify and block the scam numbers.
3. Report fake websites to authorities
If you click a scam link, report the fraudulent website via the FTC Complaint Assistant so they can investigate. The North Carolina Attorney General’s office also takes scam reports.
4. Contact your phone provider
Your carrier can block the sender, preventing more texts from reaching your phone. Ask them to escalate blocking the scam number.
5. Call the real NC Quick Pass
Contact NC Quick Pass at 1-877-7MY-PASS to verify whether you do have outstanding tolls on your account. Don’t rely on the scammers to tell you.
6. Check your accounts for fraud
If you entered any personal info, call your bank and credit card companies. Alert them about the potential fraud on your accounts. Closely monitor all accounts for unauthorized activity.
7. Change passwords
Change the passwords on any accounts that use the same password as the one entered on the fake site. Scammers who gain one password often try it on other sites.
Using a password manager helps you use strong, unique passwords on all accounts.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to the NC Quick Pass Toll Scam
Here are some tips to protect yourself from this scam:
- Be skeptical of texts claiming you owe fees – Government agencies and companies typically mail bills and don’t rely on texts full of threats and sketchy links. If you receive a text to pay a debt, independently verify it through an official website or phone number.
- Double check the sender ID – Scams often use spoofed local numbers. Carefully check the number doesn’t match NC Quick Pass’ real support lines. Search online to confirm numbers if unsure.
- Verify web domains – Don’t click directly from the text. Navigate your browser to the real website and log in to view any outstanding tolls. Bookmark official sites so you access them directly.
- Avoid auto-paying bills – If accounts are set to auto-pay when you receive a bill, scammers can more easily fraudulently charge you. Review bills monthly and confirm legitimacy.
- Limit info shared online – Be wary of social media quizzes, contests, or free offers requesting personal data, which often sell your info. Share conservatively.
- Use strong banking passwords – If your bank account or credit card gets hacked via breached logins, it makes you more vulnerable to fraud. Use strong unique passwords for all financial accounts.
- Install security updates – Keep your phone, apps, and browser up-to-date to reduce the risk of malware infection from malicious links. Updates patch vulnerabilities.
- Shred documents – Shred or burn any paper bills, statements, or documents with personal information before disposal to prevent identity theft from your trash.
- Beware follow-up requests – Once scam artists hook you, they will target you for more data or money. Avoid engaging with any questionable contact.
- Monitor your credit – Routine credit checks ensure no fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name. Consider a credit freeze if you fall victim to thieves gaining your info.
Staying vigilant against phone and text scams by verifying messages, links, and requests saves you time, money, and prevents identity theft. Report spoofing, fake sites, and theft attempts to help authorities catch scammers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NC Quick Pass Toll Scam
What is the NC Quick Pass toll scam?
This scam involves receiving a fake text message claiming you owe unpaid tolls and giving a link to a website impersonating the official NC Quick Pass site. If you enter your information, the scammers can steal your personal and financial data.
How does the scam work?
The text will say you have unpaid toll fees and must pay immediately to avoid penalties. It provides a link that goes to a fake site mimicking the real NC Quick Pass. If you input your data, the scammers capture it.
What are some examples of the fake texts?
- “Final Notice from NC Quick Pass. Pay $4.75 now at https://pay-nctp.com/unpaid-tolls to avoid penalties on your account.”
- “URGENT: NC Quick Pass – Settle your $7.40 unpaid tolls at https://nctollway.collectfees.com to prevent further legal action.”
What information do the scammers obtain?
The fake sites collect your full name, contact details, address, birth date, driver’s license number, payment card information, and more. This allows them to commit identity theft.
What should I do if I get one of these texts?
Don’t click any links. Report the text to 7726. Contact your phone provider to block the sender. Verify with the real NC Quick Pass whether you have outstanding tolls.
Are the links in the texts dangerous?
Yes, they take you to fake sites designed to steal your data. They may also download malware. Never click links in suspicious texts.
How can I protect myself from this scam?
Use unique passwords, avoid auto-paying bills, monitor your credit reports, and don’t click random links. Verify any payment demands through official channels.
Can I report fake sites related to this scam?
Yes, report scam websites or texts to the FTC and FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. This helps warn others and aids investigations.
How long has this NC Quick Pass scam been going on?
Authorities have been warning about fake texts related to this scam since at least 2023. Scammers continuously change their tactics to evade detection. Always stay alert.
The Bottom Line
The NC Quick Pass outstanding toll scam is a crafty fraud combining convincing texts, spoofed numbers, and fake websites to steal personal information and payment card details from victims.
Drivers in North Carolina and other states are being bombarded with these scam messages claiming unpaid tolls. If the urgent threats and fake links prompt you to enter your info, the scammers can gain everything they need to commit identity theft and payment fraud in your name.
Protect yourself by being wary of any texts claiming you owe fees. Verify unpaid bills directly with the company before paying. And never click links or call numbers provided by suspicious texts. Check sender IDs for spoofing and confirm website domains are legitimate.
Following security best practices, using strong passwords, shredding documents, and monitoring your accounts makes it harder for scammers to exploit you. Report any scam texts or fake websites to help prevent others from falling victim and to assist investigators in holding the criminals accountable.
Staying vigilant is your best defense against the NC Quick Pass toll scam. Don’t let these fraudsters trick you into giving up your hard-earned money and risk your financial security.
