Attorney General Jeff Jackson and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority are alerting residents to a surge in text message scams impersonating NC Quick Pass and other toll agencies. These fraudulent messages claim recipients have unpaid tolls, urging immediate payment.
“These scam texts are targeting a massive number of people—including me,” said Attorney General Jackson. “Don’t fall for them, and please warn your family. We’re investigating, but in the meantime, be wary of any unsolicited texts—especially those that claim to be from the government or threaten legal action.”
Recipients receive unsolicited texts alleging unpaid tolls, often threatening legal action or license suspension. These messages contain links to fraudulent websites designed to extract personal and financial information. Clicking these links can expose individuals to financial fraud, granting scammers access to bank accounts and personal data.
• Verify Authenticity: NC Quick Pass will never request payment via text. Legitimate texts from NC Quick Pass originate from the short code 696277 and include links with ‘ncquickpass.com’ or ‘secure.ncquickpass.com’.
• Avoid Unsolicited Links: Do not click on links from unknown or unexpected texts. Instead, directly visit the official NC Quick Pass website or contact their customer service for verification.
• Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a suspected scam text, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Include details such as the originating phone number and any links provided.
Ongoing Investigations:
The North Carolina Department of Justice is collaborating with federal and international partners to trace the origins of these scams. Initially linked to operations in Canada, it’s believed perpetrators have since moved to the U.S., intensifying their fraudulent activities—a testament to the scheme’s profitability.
For more information on identifying phishing texts and scams, visit the North Carolina Department of Justice’s phishing resource page. Additional details on toll text scams are available at NC Quick Pass’s scam identification page. If uncertain about a message’s legitimacy, contact the North Carolina Turnpike Authority through their official website.
Stay vigilant and protect your personal information by being cautious of unsolicited communications.
