Illinois Tollway Customers Targeted In New Phishing Attempts

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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<h1>Illinois Tollway Customers Targeted in New Phishing Attempts</h1>

Beware of fraudulent emails and texts demanding immediate tollway payment. Illinois Tollway customers are facing a surge in phishing attempts, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal personal and financial information. These fraudulent communications, arriving via email and text message, mimic official Tollway notifications, urging recipients to make immediate payments to avoid penalties or account suspension. Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.

<h2>How the Phishing Scam Works</h2>

The scam typically involves emails or texts appearing to originate from the Illinois Tollway. These messages often contain alarming language, suggesting an overdue balance, impending account suspension, or even legal action. They usually include a link directing recipients to a fake website designed to mimic the official Tollway website. This fraudulent site prompts users to enter their personal information, including credit card details, social security numbers, and driver's license information.

<h3>What to Look For: Identifying Phishing Attempts</h3>

• Urgent Tone: Legitimate Tollway communications rarely use overly urgent or threatening language.
• Suspicious Links: Hover over links before clicking to check the actual URL. Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts. The URL should be a secure site (https://) and should include "illinoistollway.com".
• Grammatical Errors: Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors and typos.
• Requests for Personal Information: The Illinois Tollway will never request sensitive personal information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, via email or text message.
• Unfamiliar Email Addresses: Legitimate Tollway emails will come from official @illinoistollway.com addresses. Be wary of emails from similar-looking but slightly different addresses.

<h2>Protecting Yourself from Tollway Phishing Scams</h2>

• Verify Information Directly: If you receive a suspicious communication, do not click any links. Instead, visit the official Illinois Tollway website directly (illinoistollway.com) to check your account balance.
• Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts for added security.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected phishing attempts to the Illinois Tollway immediately and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

<h3>The Importance of Vigilance</h3>

The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway are actively working to combat these phishing attempts. However, the success of these scams relies heavily on the vigilance of individual users. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember, the Illinois Tollway will never request your personal financial information via email or text.

<h2>Stay Informed: Resources and Further Information</h2>

For the latest information on scams and security alerts, visit the official Illinois Tollway website and follow their social media channels. Remember to always double-check the source of any communication before providing personal information online. Your caution is your best defense against these fraudulent activities. Staying alert and informed is crucial in protecting yourself and your financial security.