The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Administration is alerting travellers that the FBI has issued a warning about fraudulent SMS text messages attempting to scam toll road and bridge users.
"The fraudulent text claims recipients owe money for unpaid tolls," the bridge authority said in a news release. "Toll customers could be duped into giving away sensitive data, including credit card information."
According to the FBI, since early March it has received over 2,000 complaints reporting "smishing" texts (short message service + phishing) related to road toll collection services from at least three states.
The FBI said complaint information indicates the scam may be moving from state to state.
The message reads:
(State Toll Service Name): We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.
The FBI said the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state's toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.
The Sault International Bridge Administration (IBA) stressed that is not contacting customers via text.
The IBA said it sends e-mail notifications directly to customers at their registered e-mail addresses.
If you receive a phishing or "smishing" text, delete it without clicking on any included link, the IBA said.
If you have clicked the link and filled out a form, you should immediately contact your bank or credit card provider.
For U.S. travellers, they should file a complaint at www.ic3.gov, a site for reporting online crimes.
If you have any concerns or questions, log into your Sault Bridge account or contact the IBA at:
U.S.: 906-635-5255, ext. 105 or ext. 0
Canada: 705-942-4345, ext. 105 or ext. 0
or [email protected]