Scam FasTrak Texts Target CA Drivers

CALIFORNIA — Scammers kept busy over the holidays targeting Californians with fraudulent text messages appearing to come from FasTrak.

News outlets across California are reporting on the latest iteration of the phishing scam, which has repeatedly resurfaced in the Golden State.

An alert posted on FasTrak's website asks drivers to disregard suspicious texts claiming outstanding toll amounts and to reach out to their regional office if they are unsure about a message. Those who believe they have received a phishing text can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Last year, Bay Area officials warned that residents were receiving deceptive messages claiming they had unpaid tolls, containing a link directing them to fraudulent — but seemingly real — payment portals.

According to NBC Bay Area, a similar FasTrak scam "bombarded" Bay Area phones over the holidays, threatening recipients with fines and legal penalties for unpaid tolls if they do not pay up. FasTrak confirmed the texts were fraudulent, noting the texts appeared to come from a number outside the United States and reiterating that FasTrak does not inquire about billing issues by text.

On Tuesday, NBC Los Angeles reported on scammers targeting SoCal residents using familiar tactics. In Orange County, The Toll Roads transportation agency warned recently users about the phishing scams and shared screenshots of several fraudulent messages, which also misspelled the agency's name as "FastTrak."

In Los Angeles County, Metro ExpressLanes urged residents to ignore similar messages.
"Metro ExpressLanes does NOT send out text messages asking for sensitive information or requesting payment," the agency said in an alert. "If you receive a text message regarding tolls or violations, please do not respond to the message, do not click any links in it, and do not use any contact information provided in it."