Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a warning to drivers regarding an increase in text-based toll scam activity. The fraudulent texts claim that consumers owe FasTrak express lane or toll charges, directing them to a website for online payment. This scheme aims to trick individuals into providing banking or credit card details under the guise of legitimate tolling agencies.

Attorney General Bonta advises Californians against clicking on links in texts that purport to notify them of overdue toll charges. He stated, “Scammers have become skilled at imitating legitimate companies, sometimes even linking to legitimate websites. Text-based toll charge scams are prevalent right now and knowing what to look for can keep consumers safe against these tactics.” He also encouraged practical steps such as visiting only official websites and discussing the risks with friends and family who might be unaware.

The majority of these scams falsely claim association with FasTrak, directing users to fake websites allegedly run by The Toll Roads. It's important to note that The Toll Roads and other California tolling agencies do not send text messages requesting payment from non-account holders.

FasTrak is an electronic system used for collecting tolls on bridges, lanes, and roads across California without requiring drivers to stop at booths. Officially, FasTrak does not solicit payments via text messages linked to websites. The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), which operates The Toll Roads in Orange County, advises users to verify any notifications by logging into their accounts through official channels.

To protect themselves from potential scams, consumers are urged not to click on suspicious links and should file complaints with the FBI, Federal Trade Commission, and the Attorney General’s office if they receive such texts. Additionally, checking accounts through legitimate service websites is recommended.

For further information or assistance with securing personal information after exposure to a scam link, individuals can contact the Attorney General's office through their general contact form online.