Attorney General Warns of Resurgence in Toll Road Text Message Scam | State News

{KXLG – South Dakota} South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is alerting residents to the reappearance of a deceptive text message scam that falsely claims individuals owe a toll for traveling on the state’s roads and bridges.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, numerous reports of the “Toll Road Text Message” scam have surfaced statewide this week. This scam involves text messages demanding payment for overdue tolls, often threatening fines or other penalties for non-compliance.

“The Toll Road Text Message scam preys on a person’s honesty,” stated Attorney General Jackley. “Several citizens have been scammed into sending money after being threatened with fines or other penalties for not paying an overdue, phony toll.”

The Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office noted that these fraudulent messages typically do not specify the state from which the supposed toll is, and the alleged amount owed is concealed until the recipient clicks on a provided link.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation has explicitly stated on its website that all state-owned roads and bridges are toll-free.

To help residents avoid falling victim to this and similar scams, the Consumer Protection Division offers the following advice:

• Be suspicious of unfamiliar text messages: Question why an unknown sender has your phone number.
• Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading content: These links can lead to malicious websites or install harmful software.
• Resist high-pressure tactics: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. Take a moment to think before acting.
• Verify the sender: Find the official contact information for the agency that supposedly contacted you and call them directly to confirm the message’s legitimacy.
• Never share money or personal information with unverified contacts: Be cautious of providing sensitive details over the phone or internet to individuals or organizations you do not know.
• Be wary of secrecy: Scammers may urge you not to discuss the matter with others.
• Talk to someone you trust: Before providing money or personal information, discuss the situation with a trusted friend or family member.

Attorney General Jackley encourages anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam, or any other fraudulent activity, to contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or through their website at South Dakota Consumer Protection Division. Reporting these incidents can help protect others from becoming victims.