Pa. Turnpike Commission Warns of Smishing Scam Back on Rise

Photo: Pa. Turnpike Commission

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is alerting residents that a smishing scam is again begin sent to random individuals, aiming to deceive them to share their personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts. 

The texts claim to be from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services and center around urgent requests with the account that would results in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. An example of the text can be found above. 

According to the PTC, similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past several days. 

People who receive an unsolicited text or email from bad actors claiming to be from the Pa. Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. 

The PTC says E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official Pa. Turnpike E-ZPass website or the Pa. Toll Pay app. 

Additionally, residents that receive a fraudulent text file can file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

More information on ways to stay safe from scams can be found here.