Have you gotten a text out of the blue claiming you owe money for unpaid North Carolina tolls? Don’t race to pay quite yet. Scammers are blanketing North Carolina drivers with phony toll invoice texts to steal personal information and even your identity.
This scam unfolds in seconds with an urgent text demanding payment for fake toll charges. But the real toll is identity theft if you click. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding exactly how this “North Carolina Tolls Services” text scam works.
This article provides an in-depth look at the anatomy of these toll invoice phishing scams hitting North Carolinians. Learn to spot the tricks and traps fraudsters are using to compromise accounts, steal payment data, and siphon funds from unsuspecting drivers.
Overview of the North Carolina Tolls Services Scam
A new text message scam related to unpaid North Carolina toll invoices has recently emerged, targeting drivers across the state. Scammers send unsolicited text messages claiming to be from “North Carolina Tolls Services” and stating that the recipient’s vehicle has an outstanding unpaid toll bill.
The text specifies that the driver owes a small balance, typically around $7.60, and threatens additional fees of $76 if the amount is not paid immediately. The message includes a link to a fraudulent website disguised as a toll payment portal, where victims are prompted to enter personal and payment card details.
However, North Carolina Tolls Services is not a real agency. The texts, websites, and payment pages are all operated by scammers whose sole goal is to steal sensitive personal and financial information. By tricking victims into inputting details like names, addresses, birth dates and credit card numbers, the fraudsters can steal identities and commit financial crimes.
This toll invoice scam is essentially a phishing scam disguised as an urgent notice from a legitimate state toll agency. The North Carolina Turnpike Authority, which oversees toll roads and collections in the state, has confirmed these texts are in no way associated with or endorsed by official toll agencies.
Hallmarks of the Scam Texts and Websites
The scam texts and websites are designed to appear as authentic toll collection notices at first glance. But upon closer inspection, various red flags indicate their fraudulent nature:
- Sense of urgency – The texts threaten immediate fees if the fake toll balance is not paid quickly, pressuring victims to act without proper verification.
- Out-of-state area code – The scam texts often come from 10-digit phone numbers with out-of-state area codes like California or Texas.
- Typos – The scam messages often contain typos, grammatical errors and sentence structure issues.
- Misleading domain names – Fake domain names include terms like “NC,” “toll,” “violation,” “services,” or “quickpass.”
- Amateur website design – The scam sites use amateur templates with design inconsistencies. Official agency sites appear more professional.
- Requests for sensitive information – Official toll sites would never request details like Social Security numbers over the internet.
Who is Being Targeted by This Scam?
North Carolina drivers are the primary targets, though residents of other states may also encounter this scam. The scammers likely obtained victim phone numbers through a data breach or by purchasing stolen data on the dark web.
Anyone who drives regularly and uses toll roads or quick pass lanes could be seen as a prime target. Scammers may also cast a wider net beyond toll road users to maximize victims. Phone numbers tied to vehicle registration data could be compromised.
There are no clear patterns in terms of geography, gender, or age groups being singled out. All North Carolina drivers should be alert to these scam texts and prepared to spot the warning signs.
Potential Damage from Falling Victim
Providing the information requested by these fake toll collection sites can enable scammers to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and account takeovers:
- Identity theft – Names, addresses, birth dates and Social Security numbers can facilitate stealing identities to open fraudulent accounts.
- Credit card fraud – Credit card details entered on the scam sites can be used to make unauthorized purchases or clone cards.
- Account takeovers – With access to email addresses and passwords, scammers can compromise online accounts through credential stuffing.
- Phishing vulnerabilities – Clicking links or downloading files from scam sites can expose devices to malware and spyware.
- Financial theft – Bank account numbers exposed could enable scammers to steal funds or make unauthorized withdrawals.
The damage can be extensive, from racking up huge credit card balances to draining bank accounts to having entire identities stolen and used to commit serious fraud.
How the North Carolina Tolls Services Scam Works
The scammers behind this scam use sophisticated techniques to make the text messages and websites appear convincing. Here is a step-by-step look at how the scam unfolds:
1. Victims Receive Unsolicited Text Message
The scam begins when North Carolina drivers receive a text message out of the blue claiming to be from “North Carolina Tolls Services.” The message content is designed to induce panic and urgency to pay. Threatening additional fees makes victims feel compelled to act quickly.
Example:
North Carolina Tolls Services, our records indicate that your vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. To avoid additional charges of $76.00, please settle your balance of $7.60 at https://ncquickpasstolls.com
2. Scam Text Provides Link to Fake Website
A link is included in the text message redirecting victims to a fraudulent website disguised as a legitimate toll payment portal. The domain name often includes terms like “quickpass,” “tolls,” or “North Carolina” to seem official.
3. Fake Website Requests Personal and Payment Information
On the scam website, victims are prompted to enter personal details like their name, birth date, address, phone number, and email address. They are then directed to a payment page asking for full credit or debit card information, including card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
4. Scammers Steal Entered Information
When victims submit their sensitive personal and financial details, this information is harvested by the scammers. They use it to commit identity theft and financial fraud, like opening fraudulent credit cards.
5. Scammers Disappear Without Providing Services
After stealing victims’ information, the scammers disconnect the fake websites and disappear. No toll payments are processed, and victims’ credit cards are often left compromised. The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is unable to assist victims of these scams.
What to Do If You Receive This Scam Text
If you receive a suspicious text message claiming your vehicle has outstanding North Carolina tolls, do not click any links or provide information. Follow these steps instead:
- Delete the text immediately. Do not respond or click links as this could compromise your device or enable tracking.
- Contact the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to check your actual toll account status. Call 1-877 NC Quick Pass or access your account online.
- Watch for unauthorized charges or suspicious activity on affected financial accounts. Report unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately. Consider canceling compromised cards.
- Change passwords on financial accounts that could be impacted. Avoid using the same credentials on multiple accounts.
- Run antivirus software to check for any malware installed from scam links and remove it.
- Report the scam text to the FCC and North Carolina authorities:
- Federal Communications Commission: File a complaint at www.fcc.gov/complaints.
- North Carolina Attorney General: Report scam texts by emailing reportfraud@ncdoj.gov or calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
- Block the sender’s phone number and be cautious of unknown numbers claiming you owe money. Do not click links or divulge information.
Frequently Asked Questions About the North Carolina Tolls Services Scam
1. What is the North Carolina Tolls Services scam?
The North Carolina Tolls Services scam is a phishing scam where scammers send text messages claiming that the recipient has unpaid toll fees and owes money. The message threatens additional fees if the victim does not pay promptly. It includes a link to a fake website that asks for personal and payment information to “settle” the fees. However, it is entirely fraudulent, designed to steal sensitive data.
2. How do I recognize a North Carolina toll scam text or email?
Watch for these common red flags:
- Claims you have unpaid toll fees and owe a balance, often around $7.60.
- Threatens additional fees, typically around $76, if not paid immediately.
- Indicates the notice is from “North Carolina Tolls Services,” a non-existent agency.
- Includes a link to a website with a suspicious domain name related to tolls.
- Message comes from an unknown 10-digit number with an out-of-state area code.
- Text contains grammatical errors, typos, and other signs of a scam.
3. What information do the scammers ask for?
The fake North Carolina toll payment websites ask for:
- Personal details like your full name, birth date, phone number, email, and home address.
- Full payment card information including card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
- In some cases, even your Social Security Number and bank account details.
4. What do scammers do with my information if I enter it?
Scammers can use your personal and financial details to:
- Steal your identity and open fraudulent accounts.
- Make unauthorized purchases with your credit or debit card.
- Access and drain your bank accounts.
- Take over your online accounts by resetting passwords.
- Commit many other types of fraud and financial theft.
5. Should I click links or call numbers in suspicious toll notices?
No, never click links, call phone numbers, or enter any information on websites in scam texts or emails. Doing so can expose you to fraud, malware infections, and theft. These notices are phishing scams aiming to steal your details.
6. How can I verify if I really owe North Carolina tolls?
To confirm if you have any legitimate unpaid toll invoices, contact the North Carolina Turnpike Authority directly through official channels, either online at www.ncquickpass.com or by phone at 1-877-NC-QUICK. Never rely on unsolicited texts, calls or emails claiming you owe toll fees.
7. What should I do if I received a North Carolina toll scam message?
If you get a suspicious text or email about unpaid North Carolina tolls:
- Do not click any links or provide any personal or financial details.
- Report the scam by forwarding texts to 7726 (SPAM) and emails to reportfraud@ncdoj.gov.
- Contact your bank and toll agencies directly to confirm your account status and check for any unauthorized activity.
- Watch for other signs of identity theft and request credit reports to check for any opened accounts.
- Change passwords and enable multifactor authentication on all accounts that could be impacted.
8. How can I protect myself from the North Carolina toll scam?
To avoid falling victim:
- Never give information in response to unsolicited texts, calls or emails.
- Verify toll fee notices directly through official agency channels.
- Use antivirus software and avoid unsecured WiFi when accessing accounts.
- Review account privacy settings and limit data sharing.
- Monitor your accounts closely for any suspicious charges or activity.
- Set up multifactor authentication on as many accounts as possible.
9. Who should I contact if I was scammed?
If you provided your information and suspect you are a victim of fraud:
- Immediately contact your bank and credit card companies. Request new cards, freeze/close accounts as needed.
- Place a fraud alert and order your free annual credit reports to identify any opened accounts.
- Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and file a police report.
- Contact the credit bureaus to dispute any unauthorized opened accounts or charges.
- Continue monitoring your accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
10. How can I avoid other types of toll and traffic scams?
Use caution with any call, text, email, or notice related to tolls, traffic tickets, car registrations, parking tickets. Verify directly with the agency rather than trusting unsolicited communications. Sign up for account alerts, monitor your accounts, and keep contact info current with all agencies tied to your vehicle.
The Bottom Line
This North Carolina toll invoice text scam is a dangerous fraud resulting in stolen identities and compromised financial accounts. Always be wary of threatening messages demanding immediate payment and asking for sensitive information.
Legitimate toll agencies will never contact you demanding immediate payment via text. Carefully verify any toll balance notices through official channels before providing payment details. With vigilance, you can protect yourself and avoid falling victim to toll invoice scammers.
