Maryland residents are being warned about a new smishing scam that falsely claims individuals owe money for unpaid tolls. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has issued an alert regarding this fraudulent scheme, which uses text messages to trick recipients into providing personal and financial information.

How the Smishing Scam Works

The fraudulent text messages appear to come from MDTA and claim that the recipient has unpaid tolls requiring immediate payment. The message contains a link that directs users to a fake payment site designed to steal sensitive information such as credit card details or login credentials.

The MDTA has clarified that it does not send payment requests via text messages. All legitimate toll-related communications are handled through official channels, such as postal mail or the MDTA’s website.

What to Look Out For

The scam messages often:

• Claim you owe money for unpaid tolls.
• Use urgent or threatening language to pressure you into acting quickly.
• Provide a suspicious link to an unofficial payment site.

Authorities warn that clicking on these links could expose you to identity theft or financial fraud.

MDTA’s Official Statement

In an official statement, the MDTA reminded Maryland drivers that all tolling-related notifications are sent through proper channels, not via unsolicited texts or emails. “If you receive a text message claiming to be from the MDTA requesting payment for tolls, delete it immediately,” the statement advised.

What Should You Do?

If you receive such a text, follow these steps:

1. Do not click on any links. Instead, delete the message.
2. Verify your toll account status. Log in to your account on the MDTA’s official website or call their customer service number.
3. Report the scam. Notify the MDTA and local authorities. Forward suspicious text messages to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 7726 (SPAM).

Protecting Yourself from Smishing Scams

• Always verify the sender’s identity before sharing personal or financial details.
• Be cautious of unsolicited messages that create a sense of urgency.
• Use official channels for payments or inquiries regarding your account.

The Rise in Smishing Scams

The MDTA’s warning comes amid a surge in smishing scams across the country. Cybersecurity experts urge residents to remain vigilant and educate themselves about potential threats targeting their personal information.

Contact Information

For toll-related inquiries or to confirm the status of your account, visit the Maryland Transportation Authority’s official website at www.mdta.maryland.gov or call their customer service hotline.

FAQ

Q1: What is smishing?
Smishing is a type of phishing scam that uses text messages (SMS) to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as personal or financial details.

Q2: How can I tell if a text message is a scam?
Look out for:

• Messages claiming you owe money or must take immediate action.
• Poor grammar or spelling mistakes.
• Unofficial links or requests for personal information.

Q3: Does MDTA ever send toll payment requests via text?
No, the Maryland Transportation Authority does not send toll payment requests via text messages. Legitimate toll notifications are sent through official channels like mail or their website.

Q4: What should I do if I clicked on a suspicious link?
If you clicked on a link, immediately:

• Avoid entering any information.
• Scan your device for malware or viruses.
• Change passwords for accounts that might be compromised.
• Monitor your financial statements for unauthorized transactions.

Q5: How do I report a smishing attempt?
Forward the text message to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier. You can also report it to the Maryland Transportation Authority and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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