Beware of Phishing Texts: An Unpaid Toll Bill
With the recent implementation of Congestion Pricing in NYC, there’s been a noticeable increase in suspicious text messages. One such example claimed to be from EzDriveMA, warning about an unpaid toll bill. The message included a link to a website required to settle the bill. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a number of scam texts are being sent to people across the country.
Key Warning Signs
1. Generic Greeting: The message didn’t address me by name, a common tactic in phishing attempts.
2. Urgency: It created a sense of panic by emphasizing the risk of late fees.
3. Suspicious Link: The link provided didn’t match the official EzDriveMA website.
4. Unusual Request: It asked me to reply with “Y” and reopen the message to activate the link, which felt odd.
Why This is Likely a Phishing Attempt
Phishing scams rely on manipulation and deception to trick people into clicking malicious links. Once clicked, these links can:
• Steal Personal Information: Such as login credentials, credit card details, and even Social Security numbers.
• Install Malware: Infect your device with harmful software that compromises its security and grants hackers access to your data.
• Cause Financial Loss: By luring you into unauthorized payments or transactions.
How to Stay Protected
To safeguard yourself against phishing scams, follow these best practices:
• Be Skeptical of Unexpected Messages: Especially those creating urgency or fear to pressure you into action.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover over the link to verify its authenticity, or better yet, don’t interact with it at all.
• Verify the Sender’s Identity: Contact the organization directly using official communication channels.
• Access Your Account Safely: If you’re concerned about an issue, log in through the official website or app rather than using a provided link.
• Report Phishing Attempts: Forward suspicious messages to the company being impersonated or relevant authorities.
Stay Vigilant and Safe Online
By staying alert and practicing these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams. If a message seems overly urgent or suspicious, take a moment to verify it—chances are, it’s a scam.
Key Warning Signs
1. Generic Greeting: The message didn’t address me by name, a common tactic in phishing attempts.
2. Urgency: It created a sense of panic by emphasizing the risk of late fees.
3. Suspicious Link: The link provided didn’t match the official EzDriveMA website.
4. Unusual Request: It asked me to reply with “Y” and reopen the message to activate the link, which felt odd.
Why This is Likely a Phishing Attempt
Phishing scams rely on manipulation and deception to trick people into clicking malicious links. Once clicked, these links can:
• Steal Personal Information: Such as login credentials, credit card details, and even Social Security numbers.
• Install Malware: Infect your device with harmful software that compromises its security and grants hackers access to your data.
• Cause Financial Loss: By luring you into unauthorized payments or transactions.
How to Stay Protected
To safeguard yourself against phishing scams, follow these best practices:
• Be Skeptical of Unexpected Messages: Especially those creating urgency or fear to pressure you into action.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover over the link to verify its authenticity, or better yet, don’t interact with it at all.
• Verify the Sender’s Identity: Contact the organization directly using official communication channels.
• Access Your Account Safely: If you’re concerned about an issue, log in through the official website or app rather than using a provided link.
• Report Phishing Attempts: Forward suspicious messages to the company being impersonated or relevant authorities.
Stay Vigilant and Safe Online
By staying alert and practicing these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams. If a message seems overly urgent or suspicious, take a moment to verify it—chances are, it’s a scam.