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VDOT warns of text message scams involving bogus toll charges

The Virginia Department of Transportation is warning drivers of scam text messages involving bogus E-ZPass toll charges.

In a message posted on Facebook, VDOT said the scam messages send people requests for payment for toll charges along with a link to a fake website.

VDOT does communicate with drivers via text messages, but those messages will not direct you to another link. If you receive a message that appears to be from E-ZPass Virginia or a specific toll facility, you can contact the to check if the message is legitimate.

The text messages are known as “smishing” scams — the term combines “phishing” and SMS, which stands for short messaging service.

In the spring, the FBI issued a warning about the scam, after receiving reports of it in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

It’s unclear how widespread the scam is in Virginia. ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ has reached out to VDOT for information on how many reports it has received.

Anyone who receives a scam text can file a complaint with the . You should include the phone number of the text message as well as the link.

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Jack Moore

Jack Moore joined ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½.com as a digital writer/editor in July 2016. Previous to his current role, he covered federal government management and technology as the news editor at Nextgov.com, part of Government Executive Media Group.

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