Scammers are at it again (as if they ever really stopped), and it’s time to shed light on the latest scheme resurfacing here in Minnesota. I recently became a target of this 'smishing' scam, and it’s something you need to watch out for.

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What is Smishing?

Smishing is a type of phishing attack that uses text messages (SMS) instead of email to target individuals. The scammers craft messages designed to look legitimate, often impersonating trusted organizations like government agencies, banks, or companies. These messages usually contain a link or request for personal information, creating a sense of urgency to trick you into acting quickly without thinking.

RELATED: Criminals Now Using Photos of Your Minnesota House to Scam You

What makes smishing particularly dangerous is how easy it is to fall for. The messages can look incredibly convincing, often including official logos, professional language, and links that appear legitimate at first glance.

What’s the Latest ‘Smishing’ Scam to Hit Minnesota?

Today, I got a text message from an unknown number claiming I had unpaid vehicle tolls to the tune of $6.99. Harmless amount, right? That’s exactly the point. These scammers are banking on you seeing that small charge and thinking, “Oh, I’ll just take care of it real quick.”

toll text scam minnesota ezdrivema
Actual smishing text scam i received TAP TO ENLARGE (Aaron Galloway/Canva)
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But hold up, this alert supposedly came from “EZDriveMA,” the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s tolling agency. I haven’t been to Massachusetts in years. Red flag.🚩

This sneaky little scam is not just targeting folks with fake Massachusetts toll alerts; a Minnesota version is also making the rounds. Scammers are pretending to be from MnDOT’s E-ZPass system, trying to trick you into handing over personal info by clicking a malicious link.

The scariest thing is the scammers are getting good. These messages look legit. They mimic official language, create a sense of urgency, and catch you off-guard, making you think it’s a quick, no-big-deal payment.

What Are Officials Saying About Toll Text Scams?

Thankfully, MnDOT and EZDriveMA are onto these fraudsters. MnDOT recently issued a warning about these scams:

“Minnesota E-ZPass will never email or text you for payment or personal information. The only legitimate URLs for Minnesota E-ZPass are ezpassmn.org and ezpassmn.net.”

They’ve stressed that phone numbers and emails are often chosen at random, so this scam is hitting everyone, not just E-ZPass users. Scammers are even sending fake invoices through the mail, which look official enough to fool unsuspecting residents.

EZDriveMA has also posted a similar alert on its website, warning people to delete suspicious messages and avoid clicking on links.

How to Protect Yourself From Smishing Scams

Here are some tips to avoid falling victim:

Trust Your Gut: If something seems off, it probably is. Don’t click on random links or respond to unsolicited messages.

Verify Before You Act: If you receive an invoice or alert, double-check directly with the organization, either through their official website or by calling their verified contact number.

Keep It Secure: Regularly monitor your accounts for unfamiliar activity. If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link, take steps to secure your information: change passwords, watch your bank accounts, and dispute any sketchy charges.

20 Common Scams To Look Out For In Minnesota

The more you know about common scams, the better you can protect yourself against them.

Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells

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