'It's an easy one to fall for': Experts warn about text message phishing scam about unpaid tolls
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Many of us have seen texts coming from random numbers or email addresses, saying we owe money to a tollway service.
The text says to click a link to avoid excessive late fees or legal action.
The Federal Trade Commission says it's a phishing scam that's happening across the country.
"If you're not familiar with these online scams, it's an easy one to fall for," said Meagan Parker, a tech trainer for Serving Older Adults.
Parker visits senior centers in Milwaukee to teach them technology skills and safety.
It's an important job, as phishing scams can target anyone.
"A lot of us on staff have actually gotten those text messages, and we recently had someone come into the center really concerned about that one," Parker said. "They actually were about to click on the link, and our staff was able to explain to them, this is a scam, this is phishing."
The most recent text scam warns about unpaid tolls. There are no toll roads in Wisconsin, but anyone who drives out of state could fall victim to the scam.
"If you owe money to a toll, you're not going to get a text message," warns Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin.
The BBB first published a warning about this scam in January, and Schiller says it hasn't slowed down.
"Obviously this scam must be working, because we've seen it now for a couple of months," she explained. So, enough people may have clicked on the link and made payment."
Schiller's advice: delete any unsolicited messages, and do not click on any links.
"Clicking on a link may download malware to a device. It could also collect your personal data," she said.
Through Serving Older Adults' Tech Connect, Parker teaches seniors to look at the sender, look for any spelling errors, odd logos, or a false sense of urgency.
Those can be telltale signs of a scam.
"Reminding people to just take a moment and think about it before they click anything is our biggest advice," Parker said.
Schiller recommends giving the Better Business Bureau a call if you're not sure if something is a scam, and if it is. you can report it to their online Scam Tracker.
The Illinois Tollway says to call them directly if you have any questions about your account.