Aurora, Illinois — Aurora police are warning residents about scam text messages falsely claiming unpaid I-PASS toll charges.
According to a recent post from the Aurora Illinois Police Department, scammers are sending fraudulent messages that appear to be toll payment alerts. The texts allegedly claim a driver’s vehicle has an unpaid toll bill and pressure recipients to click a link or pay immediately to avoid late fees or penalties.
Police said the messages often include links to fake websites designed to collect payment information or personal data.
One example shared by the department shows a message claiming the recipient must pay within 12 hours to avoid increased fees and possible reporting to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The text also instructs users to reply to the message or open a payment link.
Authorities said several warning signs indicate the message is a scam.
According to the Aurora Police Department, red flags include messages sent from email addresses or unknown numbers, suspicious website links, urgent payment threats, and instructions directing recipients to reply or click a link.
Officials emphasized that legitimate toll agencies typically communicate through official accounts and do not demand immediate payment through random text links.
Police advise residents who receive the message not to click any links or respond. Instead, they recommend deleting the message and reporting it as spam through the phone’s messaging system.
The alert comes as scams targeting drivers and online payment systems continue to circulate nationwide.
For many younger drivers, students, and commuters who rely on toll roads regularly, officials say verifying messages directly through official toll service websites can help prevent falling victim to fraud.
Authorities encourage anyone unsure about a toll balance to check their account directly through the official I-PASS website rather than links in text messages.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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