(La Porte County, IN) - The local Sheriff’s Department is passing along a fraud warning from the FBI.

 

They call it “smishing” – a combination of short message service, or texting, with phishing, which usually happens over the internet.

 

In this particular scam, folks receive a text allegedly from a toll road collection service claiming that they owe unpaid tolls.

 

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, over 2,000 reports of this scam have come to them since early last month. They believe the scam is moving from state to state and may be affecting Hoosiers.

 

If you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, be sure to include:
   1. The phone number from where the text originated.
   2. The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.