Illinois Tollway Statement: Responding To Recent Phishing Attempts

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Illinois Tollway Warns Drivers of Increased Phishing Attempts: Protect Your Information Now!

The Illinois Tollway is issuing a strong warning to drivers about a recent surge in phishing attempts targeting tollway customers. These scams, designed to steal personal and financial information, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, prompting the agency to urge users to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves. The rise in these fraudulent activities highlights the importance of online safety and the need for users to recognize and report suspicious emails and messages.

What are Phishing Scams?

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, and social security numbers by disguising themselves as trustworthy entities in electronic communication. In this case, scammers are mimicking official Illinois Tollway communications, hoping to trick unsuspecting drivers into revealing their personal data. These emails often appear legitimate, featuring the Illinois Tollway logo and seemingly official language, making them difficult to identify at first glance.

How to Identify a Phishing Attempt:

• Look for suspicious email addresses: Legitimate Illinois Tollway emails will come from official @illinoistollway.com addresses. Be wary of emails from similar-looking, but slightly different addresses.
• Check for grammatical errors and poor formatting: Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors or unprofessional formatting. Official communications will be well-written and professionally formatted.
• Don't click on links: Never click on links within suspicious emails. Instead, navigate directly to the Illinois Tollway website by typing the address into your browser.
• Hover over links: Before clicking, hover your mouse over any link to see the actual URL. If it doesn't match the expected address, it's likely a phishing attempt.
• Review the email carefully: Look for inconsistencies or unusual requests for information. The Illinois Tollway will rarely, if ever, request personal information via email.

What to Do if You Suspect a Phishing Attempt:

• Do not respond to the email or click any links.
• Forward the email to the Illinois Tollway's security team. The agency has dedicated resources to investigate these scams and protect its customers. Contact information for reporting should be readily available on their official website.
• Change your passwords immediately. If you believe you have fallen victim to a phishing scam, change your passwords for all online accounts, especially those linked to your Illinois Tollway account.
• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity. Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious transactions.
• Report the incident to the authorities. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement to report the phishing attempt.

Illinois Tollway's Commitment to Customer Security:

The Illinois Tollway is committed to protecting its customers' information. They are actively working to combat these phishing scams and are investing in enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents. They urge all drivers to remain alert and report any suspicious activity promptly. The agency emphasizes that they will never request sensitive information via email or unsolicited phone calls. Always refer to official channels for updates and information.

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