CONSUMER ALERT: Toll Road Robotext Scam

Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement warning consumers about a scam that recently hit Arkansas:

“A new SMS scam has hit Arkansas. In this ‘smishing’ scam – a combination of ‘SMS’ (text messaging) and ‘phishing’ – scammers attempt to steal consumers’ personal information and trick them into handing over money by posing as the state toll service.

“Although Arkansas does not have toll roads, many residents travel during the summer to states that charge tolls on certain roads. Due to increased travel during the summer, fraud that was previously limited to consumers in toll states has now expanded to states without toll roads, including Arkansas.

“If you receive one of these text messages, please fill out the robocall reporting form on my website and do not send any payment to companies that only contact you via text message.”

The robocall reporting form can be found at https://arkansasag.gov/resources/contact-us/robocall-reporting-form/.

Here is an example of this scam:

(State Toll Service Name): We have identified an outstanding toll balance of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a $50.00 late fee, visit (link to fraudulent website) to pay off your balance.

Here are some tips to help you spot scams and protect yourself if you receive an SMS claiming to be from a government toll service:

• Do not click on the link.
• Delete the text message and report it as junk.
• If you have reason to believe the message may be genuine, contact your state’s toll agency. Be sure to use a phone number or website you know to be genuine, not the information in the text message.
• Once you have clicked on a link, take steps to protect your personal information. Change your passwords, monitor your bank accounts and question any unknown charges.

For more information or to file a consumer complaint, please contact the Office of the Attorney General at (501) 682-2007 or (email protected)or visit www.ArkansasAG.gov.