Urgent: Illinois Tollway Addresses Recent Wave Of Phishing Attempts

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Urgent: Illinois Tollway Warns Drivers of Sophisticated Phishing Scam

A surge in phishing attempts targeting Illinois Tollway customers has prompted an urgent warning from the agency. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious emails or text messages immediately. The sophisticated nature of these scams highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect personal and financial information.

The Illinois Tollway has observed a significant increase in fraudulent communications mimicking official Tollway correspondence. These phishing attempts aim to steal sensitive data, including customer account details, credit card information, and personal identification numbers (PINs). The agency emphasizes that they will never request such information via email or text message.

How to Identify a Phishing Attempt:

The Illinois Tollway urges drivers to carefully scrutinize any communication claiming to be from the agency. Be wary of emails or texts that:

• Contain generic greetings: Avoid emails addressed to "Dear Customer" or similar non-specific salutations. Legitimate Tollway communications will usually address you by name.
• Request personal information: The Illinois Tollway will never ask for your credit card details, PIN, social security number, or other sensitive information via email or text message.
• Have suspicious links or attachments: Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking – it should be a legitimate Tollway address.
• Create a sense of urgency: Phishing attempts often use scare tactics to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. Legitimate communications rarely use urgent or threatening language.
• Have poor grammar and spelling: Official communications from the Illinois Tollway will be professionally written and free of grammatical errors.

What to Do if You Suspect a Phishing Attempt:

• Do not click any links or open attachments.
• Do not respond to the message.
• Forward the suspicious email or text message to the Illinois Tollway's fraud department at [Insert Email Address or Phone Number Here].
• Change your Tollway account password immediately.
• Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity.

Staying Safe Online:

The Illinois Tollway recommends practicing safe online habits to protect yourself from phishing scams. This includes:

• Using strong and unique passwords for all online accounts.
• Regularly updating your software and antivirus programs.
• Being cautious about clicking links in unsolicited emails and texts.
• Educating yourself and your family about common phishing tactics.

The Illinois Tollway is committed to protecting its customers' information and is working diligently to address this recent wave of phishing attempts. By staying informed and following these precautions, drivers can help protect themselves from becoming victims of these fraudulent schemes. Remember, your vigilance is the best defense against phishing scams. Stay safe and report any suspicious activity immediately!

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