A recent surge in fraudulent text messages has been targeting South Carolina drivers, falsely claiming recipients owe money for unpaid tolls on the state’s roadways. These deceptive messages, often appearing legitimate, direct individuals to click on links or provide personal information to settle fictitious debts.
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has issued warnings about this scam, emphasizing that official toll agencies do not request payments or personal details via text messages. The Southern Connector Toll Road, specifically, has been impersonated in these scams. Operators of the Southern Connector have clarified that they communicate with customers regarding violations exclusively through the United States Postal Service and never via SMS or text messages.
Residents have reported receiving texts alleging unpaid parking invoices related to the Southern Connector, urging immediate action to avoid additional fees. Authorities advise that these messages are fraudulent and should be disregarded.
To protect yourself from such scams, consider the following precautions:
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Do Not Engage: Avoid clicking on links or responding to unsolicited text messages claiming unpaid tolls.
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Verify Through Official Channels: If you have concerns about potential unpaid tolls, contact the tolling agency directly using known and legitimate contact information.
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Report Suspicious Messages: Forward the message to your mobile service provider by texting it to 7726 (SPAM) and report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
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Delete the Message: After reporting, remove the message from your device to prevent accidental interaction.
Staying vigilant and informed is essential to protect yourself from these and other phishing scams. Always verify the authenticity of communications before providing any personal or financial information.
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