- Impostor Scams Utilizing Urgent Authority
What You Need to Know
According to the latest FTC data, imposter scams accounted for over $3.5 billion in losses last year alone, with government impersonation reports jumping by 40%. The most prevalent trend this month involves “Road Authority” scams.
Victims receive urgent text messages or emails spoofing local toll agencies (like EZ-Pass, SunPass, or FasTrak) claiming they have unpaid tolls. These messages often threaten to suspend your vehicle registration or add massive late fees if you don’t “pay now” through a provided link.
What You Should Do
Verify toll debts independently: If you receive a text about an unpaid toll or traffic fine, do not click the link. Go directly to your state’s official toll website or call the number on your physical transponder to check your balance.
Identify the Investment Pivot: Be extremely wary of any online friend or romantic interest who brings up cryptocurrency or guaranteed investment returns. If you haven’t met them in person, do not share financial details.
Scrutinize the urgent tone: Government agencies almost never initiate contact via text message to demand immediate payment. If a message uses high-pressure language or threats of arrest/suspension, it is a major red flag.
Block and report: Use your phone’s built-in “Report Junk” feature for text-based toll scams. This helps carriers identify and shut down the sender’s numbers more quickly.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
scamwatch@invisus.com
