(WBRE/WYOU)— Scammers are at it again hoping local turnpike drivers will get fooled into sending money to pay a toll debt. Experts say if you get that kind of text, don't fall for it.
Text messages like these ones have been popping up on people's phones all throughout our area.
The FBI warns people about the sketchy text messages that are only trying to trick you.
Woman charged with pandemic fraud to benefit inmates
I spoke with a Luzerne County woman who says she has gotten plenty of the phony scam texts, but took action immediately.
Gina Traver, of Sweet Valley, gets lots of phone messages a day, but some are not like the others.
"It's nonstop. 20-25 an hour all hours of the day," voiced Traver.
The texts are threatening "Your toll account balance is outstanding, 'Pay your fast track lane tolls by February 7, 2025 to avoid a fine and keep your license, if you fail to pay you will face penalties or legal action."
And traver isn't the only one who got them.
Employees at 28/22 News also received the threatening texts.
Strange thing is, Traver doesn't even use the turnpike.
"I don't leave the area so I know I don't have any tolls," explained Traver.
Traver says she has not opened the toll text messages she's received.
She deleted them instantly and the FBI is encouraging anyone who gets one to do the same and to not respond.
"I'm right here in the valley and I'm getting them. Nobody has an idea where they are coming from or how they are getting our information," stated Traver.
According to the Associated Press, the texts are impersonating state road toll collection agencies to get people to give out their financial information.
It's a form of phishing that relies on SMS texts to trick people into sharing their info.
"I have them where they come through that they are going to discontinue my EZ pass. I don't have an EZ pass," explained Traver.
In Pennsylvania, drivers who travel the turnpike no longer stop at toll points.
An invoice with the travel information is mailed to the vehicle's registered owner or there's the option of owning an EZ pass which discounts the toll charge.
So how do you pay your toll charges? By heading to the Pennsylvania Turnpike website.
There's an option to pay by plate invoice, download the app, or register online.
"It's crazy. It's really crazy. Hopefully people see there's more being done about it because it's really happening to local people," added Traver.
The FBI says those who receive the scams file a complaint with it's IC3 internet crime complaint center and to delete the texts.
