Georgia drivers have started receiving scary text messages in recent weeks that say they owe money for unpaid toll violations on their Peach Pass accounts. And while you may think these messages are official, they’re actually part of a growing scam targeting commuters. If you’ve gotten one of these alarming messages, don’t worry — it’s not from Peach Pass. Here’s everything you need to know about these phishing attempts and how to stay safe.
How the Peach Pass System Works
Peach Pass is Georgia’s method of electronic toll collection, which was designed for ease and speed of travel on the state’s express lanes and highways. Users can now bypass having to stop at toll booths thanks to a transponder that deducts tolls from their account automatically.
As far as functionality, you have a transponder mounted to your vehicle’s windshield, and every time your vehicle approaches a tolling point, the system scans your vehicle and charges your account accordingly. You will not need to stop — the process is seamless, so you will just keep on driving.
Peach Pass is part of a Georgia initiative to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion and optimize transportation on heavily traveled roads, such as Georgia 400, I-85 and the I-75 Express Lanes.
How Are Peach Pass Payments Handled?
The toll is automatically deducted from your account balance each time you use a Peach Pass. The toll rates vary based on multiple factors, including which route you take, time of day, and distance traveled. Peach Pass will alert you by email or postal mail if you deplete the funds in your account.
But Peach Pass never sends a text demanding immediate payment or asserting that you owe unpaid tolls. If you have been sent such a text, it is most likely a scam.
THE SCAM: The Toll-free Texts
The growing popularity of electronic payment systems such as Peach Pass has led to an increase in scams designed to lure unsuspecting customers. Over the past few years, some Peach Pass customers have been targeted by scammers sending fraudulent text messages claiming the customer owes past due toll fees. These messages often go something like this:
“IMPORTANT: Your Peach Pass account has outstanding toll charges. [Sic] Click the link to make payment now or be proceeded against legally.”
These text messages may seem official — even including what appears to be the Peach Pass phone number or website. Some alerts instruct recipients to visit a site that looks like Peach Pass’s legitimate site, but if you look closely, the site is a phishing trap that aims to steal personal and financial information.
Why Is This Gaslighting Happening?
Thanks to the continued rollout of electronic toll collection systems throughout the nation, scammers have discovered another way to target users. These fraudsters blast out mass messages to random cell phone numbers hoping a few people will fall for their schemes. Text messages can be anonymous, making it difficult for people to identify scammers, especially when messages appear as though they’re coming from trusted organizations, such as Peach Pass.
Toll fraud and phishing scams have been on the rise, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Victims say they lose hundreds of dollars to these schemes. Digital communications can be an open pasture for scammers, unencumbered by the oversight that would be present in a business setting.
Signs of Peach Pass Scam
So how do you recognize a Peach Pass scam? Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Phishing Texts: Peach Pass never makes unsolicited requests via text messages. If you get a text saying you owe tolls, it’s probably a scam.
- Phishing Links: Fraudsters usually include links that take you to phishing websites similar to the original sites to snatch your personal details. Never click on links in unsolicited messages.
- Urgent Requests: Scam messages often create a sense of urgency, warning you of legal action or account suspension without immediate action. Peach Pass will NEVER pressure you like this.
- Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Fraud messages often have spelling and grammar mistakes. Any genuine correspondence from Peach Pass is well-written.
- Discrepancies in Phone Numbers: Look at the number of the sender. If the message claims to be from Peach Pass and the phone number doesn’t match any official contact information listed on their website, it’s a scam.
What to Do if You Get a Scam Text Message?
If you think a text message you’ve received is a scam, try these tips:
- Never click on any links or open attachments in a suspicious message. That could take you to a phishing site that intends to harvest your personal information.
- Check Your Account: Go to the Peach Pass website or their app and check your account. If you have an account balance or unpaid tolls, you’ll find it here.
- Report the Message to Peach Pass: If you’re not sure it’s a real message, report the message to Peach Pass customer service at the contact information listed on the Peach Pass website. They can verify whether you have any outstanding tolls, or if your account has been breached.
- Report the Scam: Forward the suspicious text message to your mobile carrier by texting “SPAM” to 7726 (the universal number for reporting fraud). To report the scam, Peach Pass should also be contacted directly.
- Check Your Financial Accounts: Review your bank or credit card statements for unauthorized charges. And if you suspect that your financial information has been compromised, contact your bank as soon as possible to report it.
Peach Pass Tackles Growing Scam Threats
It is important to note that Peach Pass is mindful about the recent danger of these phishers, and the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), which operates Peach Pass, has taken proactive strategies to safeguard users.
How Peach Pass Is Safeguarding Users
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Peach Pass has taken proactive measures to educate the public regarding these scams. They educate users about the dangers of phishing and how to identify a scam via email newsletters, social media posts, and their website.
- Enhanced Security Features: Peach Pass is prioritizing the improvement of its security features to better protect its system from being impersonated by scammers. Which adds more encryption and advanced authentication methods.
- Working with Law Enforcement: Peach Pass is in close collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies to track down and shut down phishing operations.
What Users Can Do to Protect Themselves
Peach Pass is taking measures to help protect its users, but the best defense is to remain vigilant and adhere to basic online safety practices. Here’s what you can do to secure your account:
- Use Two-Factor Authentication: If Peach Pass has an option for two-factor authentication (2FA), turn it on. This will provide your account an additional layer of security.
- Review Your Transactions: Over time, periodically check your Peach Pass account for any inconsistencies. If you see charges you don’t recognize, report them right away.
- Use Strong Passwords: The first thing we recommend is using strong passwords. Delivery networks avoid easily guessable information such as birth dates or common ways.
- Exercise Online Caution: Always remain suspicious of unsolicited messages, especially if they claim immediate action or links to outside websites are needed.
Conclusion
The recent onslaught of fake Peach Pass toll payment texts is a stark reminder of the ever-increasing danger of online rip-offs. While those messages can seem alarming, we just need to keep calm, stay calm and remember that Peach Pass does not send text messages to users about unpaid tolls. The information provided in this article can help you better protect yourself from becoming a victim of scams like these if you stay informed about online threats before October 2023.
So if you ever have any doubts if a message is legitimate, you should always go directly to the Peach Pass website or call their customer service team. When it comes to protecting your personal information, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next step after receiving a text from Peach Pass saying I owe unpaid tolls?
If a text looks suspicious, don’t click on links. Check on your Peach Pass account status by contacting Peach Pass directly via the official website or customer service number.
How do I know if a Peach Pass text is a scam?
Signs like having an unsolicited message, clicking on dubious links, having bad grammar, or having a sensation of urgency. Peach Pass will never text you about unpaid tolls unless you signed up for it.
Can Peach Pass text warnings about unpaid tolls?
No, Peach Pass doesn’t send unsolicited text messages regarding unpaid tolls. They will provide official notifications so will be sent through email or postal mail.
What can I do to safeguard my Peach Pass account against scams?
Implement strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, check your account regularly for suspicious transactions, and do not click on linked content that looks suspicious.
How do I report a scam message?
To report scam messages: forward to 7726 (SPAM); you may also try Peach Pass directly via website or call customer service.
