Illinois Tollway Warns Customers Of Phishing Scam Attempts

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Illinois Tollway Warns Customers of Phishing Scam Attempts

Drivers urged to be vigilant against fraudulent emails and texts demanding toll payments.

The Illinois Tollway is issuing a critical warning to its customers about a surge in phishing scam attempts. These fraudulent communications, disguised as official Tollway notices, aim to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting drivers. The agency stresses the importance of vigilance and offers guidance on how to identify and avoid these scams.

The recent wave of phishing attacks utilizes various methods, including emails and text messages. These messages often claim that a toll payment is overdue or that there's an issue with an existing account. They typically include a link directing recipients to a fake website mimicking the official Illinois Tollway website. Once on this fraudulent site, users are prompted to enter sensitive information, such as credit card details, social security numbers, and login credentials.

How to Spot a Phishing Scam:

Several key indicators can help you identify fraudulent communications:

• Suspicious Email Addresses or Phone Numbers: Legitimate Illinois Tollway communications will come from verified email addresses (@illinoistollway.com) and Tollway-related phone numbers. Be wary of emails from unfamiliar addresses or text messages from unknown numbers.
• Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing emails often employ urgent language, threatening penalties or account suspension if payment isn't made immediately. The Illinois Tollway rarely uses such aggressive tactics.
• Generic Greetings: Legitimate communications will usually address you by name. Generic greetings like "Dear Customer" should raise suspicion.
• Suspicious Links: Hover over links before clicking to see the actual URL. Fraudulent links often lead to websites with suspicious domain names that differ significantly from the official illinoistollway.com.
• Request for Personal Information: The Illinois Tollway will never request sensitive personal information like your social security number or banking details via email or text message.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam:

If you receive a communication you suspect is a phishing attempt:

1. Do not click any links.
2. Do not respond to the message.
3. Delete the email or text immediately.
4. Report the suspicious communication: Contact the Illinois Tollway's customer service department to report the incident. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov.

Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams:

The Illinois Tollway encourages drivers to proactively protect themselves against these scams by:

• Regularly reviewing your Tollway account online: This allows you to monitor your transactions and identify any discrepancies.
• Being cautious of unsolicited emails and text messages: Treat any unexpected communication with suspicion.
• Keeping your antivirus software updated: This helps protect your computer from malware that could be downloaded from malicious websites.
• Using strong passwords and practicing good online security hygiene: Regularly changing your passwords and being mindful of online security best practices are essential in protecting yourself from cyber threats.

The Illinois Tollway is committed to protecting its customers' information and is actively working to combat these fraudulent activities. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of phishing scams. Remember, when in doubt, always contact the Illinois Tollway directly through official channels to verify any communication.