South Carolina – A deceptive text scam claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls is targeting South Carolina drivers. Authorities are sounding the alarm and advising citizens to remain aware and avoid being scammed by these fraudulent messages.
Many people across South Carolina have lately reported receiving suspicious tests supposedly from reputable toll companies. These messages claim the recipient has an outstanding debt and has to pay it right away to avoid fines.
Many times, the texts include links to fake payment portals designed to steal personal and financial information.
A growing concern for South Carolina drivers
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs claims that scammers have been impersonating toll road operators—especially the Southern Connector Toll Road. The fraudulent texts direct unsuspecting individuals to pay alleged debt through unauthorized websites. Officials claim, meanwhile, that official toll agencies do not ask for payments via text messaging.
Officials further explain that any request for payment by SMS is fake and should be ignored; the Southern Connector does not send bills or toll notices over text messages. Official toll infractions are instead solely distributed via the United States Postal Service.
Tactics used by scammers
These fraudulent messages typically utilize urgent language, informing recipients that failing to pay will lead to fines or legal action. Some texts falsely reference “unpaid parking invoices” connected to the Southern Connector. Others utilize misleading formatting to appear as though they are official notices.
Scammers deceive victims into acting fast without checking the claim by depending on fear and fear. Once a victim clicks on the link, they are sent to a fake website looking like an official toll payment gateway. Entering any information—an email address, credit card details, driver’s license number—could put victims at risk of identity theft.
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How to protect yourself
Authorities advise South Carolina residents to take the following precautions to avoid becoming victims of this scam:
- Ignore and Delete: If you receive an unsolicited text about unpaid tolls, do not click on any links or respond. Simply delete the message.
- Verify Directly: If you are concerned about a potential toll violation, contact the toll agency directly using verified contact information. Never rely on the contact details provided in the suspicious text.
- Report the Scam: Forward fraudulent messages to your mobile service provider by texting them to 7726 (SPAM). Additionally, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date on the latest scams by following alerts from consumer protection agencies. The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to trick you.
Scammers targeting more victims
The toll text scam is just one of many digital fraud schemes affecting South Carolina residents. Scammers constantly change their strategies, so their messages seem more and more credible. Authorities warn that similar programs have sent fake tax, utility bill, and bank account warning letters to citizens.
Consumer protection officials emphasize that no legitimate tolling agency will ever request payments through text messages. Should you get a message like that, consider it to be a fraud and act accordingly to protect your personal data.
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The bottom line
Scammers are hoping to catch drivers off guard, but with awareness and caution, South Carolina residents can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent messages. Always verify the authenticity of any unexpected toll notice, and remember—if something feels suspicious, it probably is.
