FORT WAYNE, Indiana – The Indiana Toll Road and state police issued a joint warning on Monday about a new phishing scam targeting drivers throughout the state. Scammers are sending text messages that appear to come from the Indiana Toll Road, claiming the recipient owes an “overdue balance” and urging the user to click a link to pay.
How the scam works
The fraudulent messages mimic official communications but contain several tell‑tale signs of a fake. Indiana State Police have identified an incorrect logo and a color scheme that does not match the legitimate branding of the Indiana Toll Road. The messages also include a short URL that leads to a malicious website designed to harvest personal and financial information.
Official response
Officials stressed that the Indiana Toll Road will never contact drivers by text message to demand payment. “If you receive a text claiming you owe a toll balance, delete it immediately and do not click any links,” said a spokesperson for the Indiana Toll Road. “Any legitimate toll notices will be sent through our official channels, such as mailed statements or the ITR Mobile app.”
State police added that the scam is part of a broader wave of phishing attacks that have increased in recent months. They urged anyone who receives a suspicious toll notice to verify the claim by contacting the Indiana Toll Road directly through its official website or customer‑service phone line.
What drivers should do
Consumers are advised to follow these steps if they receive a questionable text:
- Do not click any links or download attachments.
- Delete the message immediately.
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact the Indiana Toll Road using the phone number or email listed on its official website to confirm any alleged balance.
These precautions can help protect personal data and prevent unauthorized charges. The Indiana Toll Road and Indiana State Police will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Background on phishing
Phishing is a form of fraud in which scammers impersonate a legitimate organization to persuade individuals to click malicious links or disclose sensitive information. The technique relies on creating a sense of urgency, such as an alleged overdue bill, to lower the victim’s guard.
Authorities recommend staying vigilant about unexpected payment requests, even when they appear to come from familiar agencies or transportation services. Verifying the authenticity of any demand through official channels is the safest way to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
