Michigan Attorney General Warns of Rising Toll Road Scams

News Summary

In Michigan, the Attorney General’s Office has identified a significant increase in toll road scam messages. Approximately 1 in 7 calls to the office is related to these scams, which involve fraudsters masquerading as tolling agencies. Victims are misled into believing they owe unpaid tolls, facing threats of vehicle impoundment and legal action. The Attorney General encourages residents to verify suspicious messages and collaborate with the Michigan Department of Transportation to raise awareness through educational campaigns and social media alerts.

Lansing, Michigan – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has begun tracking an alarming increase in reports regarding toll road scam messages that have emerged in recent months. Approximately 1 in 7 calls received by the Attorney General’s office pertains to these deceptive scams, prompting officials to heighten public awareness and preventive measures.

The toll road scam involves fraudsters impersonating tolling agencies, sending texts to individuals claiming they owe unpaid tolls connected to their vehicle registration. Victims of these scams report being threatened with severe consequences, such as having their vehicles impounded, facing aggressive legal actions, and incurring substantial fees if payment is not made promptly.

Responding to the situation, Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning emphasizing the need for increased public vigilance. The Attorney General’s office has urged residents to thoroughly verify the authenticity of any messages requesting credit card or personal information, suggesting that individuals should pay close attention to official domains and contact details before taking any action.

As part of an initiative to combat these scams, the Attorney General’s office is collaborating with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to inform the public. MDOT is actively using electronic billboards strategically placed along high-traffic roads to disseminate educational messages warning citizens about the toll text scams. These messages, including “Be aware toll texts are scams,” aim to reach a broad audience and mitigate the impact of these fraudulent communications.

This campaign was sparked by numerous complaints from concerned residents who received scam texts that falsely used MDOT’s name and a counterfeit version of its website. MDOT Communications Director Jocelyn Garza confirmed that the agency has heard from hundreds of worried citizens, illuminating the urgency of addressing the issue.

MDOT has also taken to social media platforms to remind residents that legitimate government agencies will never request sensitive personal information, such as payment details, through phone calls, texts, or emails. It is crucial to note that Michigan has no toll roads but does have toll bridges, for which MDOT assures that payments will not be requested through text messages.

Officials are encouraging residents to report any suspicious texts to help officials assess and address the extent of the toll scam situation. Community members who have already fallen victim to such scams should reach out to their bank or credit union immediately for support and guidance in mitigating any potential financial loss.

In an effort to further counter the impact of these scams, MDOT has updated its dynamic message signs (DMS) along interstate routes. These signs stress that MDOT does not operate toll roads and does not solicit payments through text or email communications. Officials have made it clear that any scam texts are not affiliated with MDOT or any other Michigan state agency.

Consumers are repeatedly advised to refrain from engaging with any messages they find suspicious, particularly those inviting them to click on embedded links. To help prevent further incidents, individuals are encouraged to use spam-blocking tools available on their devices. Additionally, if faced with a potential scam message, residents can report it by forwarding it to SPAM (7726) or by reaching out to the Federal Trade Commission.

With scams like these becoming increasingly common, public awareness and precaution remain essential in protecting personal information and resources. As the Michigan Attorney General’s Office continues to monitor and address the issue, residents are urged to stay informed and skeptical of unsolicited communications claiming to involve tolls or payments.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WWMT: Michigan Officials Tracking Rising Toll Text Scam
• Wikipedia: General Knowledge
• WKZO: MDOT Says Don’t Fall for Toll Road Scam
• Google Search: Toll Scam Michigan
• WSBT: Toll Text Scam Alert in Michigan
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Toll Scams
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• Google News: Michigan Attorney General