LEGAL NEWSLINE

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is issuing a Consumer Alert involving a text scam concerning toll roads that is circulating in Nebraska. 

Nebraskans are receiving texts claiming they must pay an outstanding balance for a SunPass toll road to avoid a $50 penalty. The text contains a link to make a payment. Do not click on the link.

Please note that the Nebraska Department of Transportation verifies that there are no toll roads in Nebraska. Nebraskans may have traveled to other states for work or holidays where there are existing toll roads, but be alert to a false text message.

To protect yourself:

• Don’t click on links or download files provided in unsolicited messages.
• Verify the source by contacting the organization directly through information provided on their website.
• Do not provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls.
• Block the number sending the text and delete the message. 
• If you clicked any link or provided personal information, make sure you dispute any unfamiliar charge and take efforts to secure your financial accounts. 

The technique is known as “smishing,” a combination of “SMS” (“short message service” or what is commonly known as text) and the scam technique known as “phishing”—smishing attempts to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.

Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682 or visit our consumer website at ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov.

Original source can be found here.