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Frequently asked questions

General questions, where can i find out more about credit, credit reports and scores, repairing my credit scores, and protecting myself against credit fraud and identify theft.

The Federal Trade Commission's website and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website offer helpful information about credit and other related topics.

Federal Trade Commission Articles:

  • Free Credit Reports
  • Credit Scores
  • Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself
  • Federal Identity Theft

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Topics:

  • Credit Reporting
  • Keeping a Good Credit Score
  • Consumer Identity Theft

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What should I do if I think someone is using my personal information?

Visit identityTheft.gov to report identity theft and get a personal recovery plan that will:

  • Walk you through each recovery step
  • Pre-fill letters and forms for you to send to businesses, debt collectors, and others
  • Track your progress and adapts to your changing situation.

Is it safe to provide my Social Security Number to AnnualCreditReport.com?

Yes. The site's security protocols and measures protect the personal information you provide. You must enter your Social Security Number to receive a free credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Can I get my name off lists for unsolicited credit and insurance offers?

You may ask the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies to leave your name off lists for pre-approved, unsolicited credit and insurance offers. Call 1-888-5OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).

Can I use my Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get my free annual credit reports?

Not if you use the AnnualCreditReport.com site. We believe your Social Security Number is the most secure number to use, so our site accepts only that number.

However, since the ITIN has a similar format, you can use your ITIN if you submit your request to one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies by mail. Once the company receives your request, they will verify your identity using their own procedures.

How can I submit a suggestion or comment about the Annual Credit Report Request Service or this website?

Our Contact Us section tells you how to send suggestions or comments.

I am having a problem downloading the U.S. Mail Request Form using my Google Chrome browser. What can I do to resolve this?

If you are using Google's Chrome Browser to view and use our PDF U.S. Mail Request Form, you should be aware that the Chrome Browser uses Google's PDF Viewer by default, rather than the Adobe Reader application. Our PDF U.S. Mail Request Form may not work as designed in Google's Chrome Browser due to this default setting. Our PDF documents are developed with Adobe software in accordance with Adobe PDF standards. To address this issue, you have two options: You can choose which plug-in you wish to use within Chrome. Adobe Reader handles the PDF document as expected, and can be set as your default PDF viewer in the Browser:

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Yes. AnnualCreditReport.com permits links from legitimate websites to our website, www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Because we are very concerned about the security of your information, when a user tries to link to www.AnnualCreditReport.com, a new web browser window will display fully the www.AnnualCreditReport.com home page. "New window" links help maintain the security and integrity of how our services are presented and made available to consumers on the Internet.

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Yes. Blind and Visually Impaired Consumers can ask for your free annual credit reports in Braille, Large Print, or Audio Formats.

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Your credit reports should arrive in about 3 weeks.

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Yes. Deaf and hard of hearing consumers can access our TDD service by calling 7-1-1 and referring the Relay Operator to 1-800-821-7232.

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CFPB Report Highlights Consumer Frustrations with Credit Card Rewards Programs

Consumers report losing benefits to devaluation, limited redemption opportunities, and vague or hidden terms and conditions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a new report finding consumers encounter numerous problems with credit card rewards programs. Consumers tell the CFPB that rewards are often devalued or denied even after program terms are met. Credit card companies focus marketing efforts on rewards, like cash back and travel, instead of on low interest rates and fees. Consumers who carry revolving balances often pay far more in interest and fees than they get back on rewards. Credit card companies often use rewards programs as a “bait and switch” by burying terms in vague language or fine print and changing the value of rewards after people sign up and earn them. New problems have been created by the growth of co-brand credit cards and rewards programs where consumers can transfer miles or points to merchants.

“Credit card companies promise upfront benefits for signing up and using their rewards card, but often bury complex terms in the fine print for using the rewards,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “The CFPB will be looking for ways to protect people's points, stop bait-and-switch scams, and promote a fair and competitive market for credit card rewards.”

Credit card rewards programs have become increasingly complex in recent years. Especially for credit cards with high annual fees, a key part of attracting consumer interest comes from benefits like getting airline miles or hotel points and access to exclusive lounges and loyalty status that affords premium service or additional perks. Introductory offers have existed since the first rewards cards, but their amount and prevalence has dramatically climbed. Nearly 1-in-10 dollars earned by consumers in rewards are linked to sign-up bonuses.

The CFPB has received a growing number of complaints on how these rewards programs have been administered. As mentioned in today’s report, consumers have encountered numerous issues in using these programs, including:

  • Credit card issuers impose vague or hidden conditions that keep consumers from receiving rewards: Consumers indicate that requirements detailed in the fine print of rewards programs’ terms and conditions do not match marketing materials, turning sign-up offers or other promotional rewards into a “bait and switch.”
  • Companies devalue rewards : Consumers mention that issuers and merchant partners reduce the value of rewards already earned by increasing the number of points or miles needed for a redemption. Consumers also observe that card issuers do not protect them from rewards program partner decisions to remove benefits from rewards programs or increase requirements for achieving status.
  • Consumers encounter redemption issues with earned benefits : Consumers describe customer service issues and technical glitches that block or delay redemption, which prevent an easy transfer of rewards to third-party merchants. Issuers often redirect cardholders to partners and fail to reinstate rewards when consumers are unable to redeem them through no fault of their own.
  • Companies revoke previously earned rewards : Consumers indicate their points, cash back, and miles vanish when an account closes. Consumers also describe financial institutions revoking rewards on open and active accounts through expiration policies, which is often done without prior communication.

Federal consumer protection laws apply to rewards programs offered in connection with consumer financial products or services. The CFPB has taken action against credit card issuers such as American Express and Bank of America for engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices related to rewards programs. CFPB will continue to monitor credit card rewards programs and will take necessary action on these issues as appropriate.

Read the report, Credit Card Rewards .

Consumers can submit complaints about financial products or services by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372) .

Employees who believe their company has violated federal consumer financial laws are encouraged to send information about what they know to [email protected] .

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that implements and enforces Federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent, and competitive. For more information, visit www.consumerfinance.gov .

federal trade commission credit report

Had Your Identity Stolen? Don't Panic And Get Started With These 5 Things Right Away

R emember that hilarious scene in The Office where Dwight Schrute, played by Rainn Wilson , sternly warns Jim, portrayed by John Krasinski , that “Identity theft is not a joke, Jim! Millions of families suffer every year”? Turns out, Dwight was onto something pretty serious. According to the 2023 Identity Fraud Study from Javelin Strategy & Research , over 15 million people fell victim to traditional identity fraud last year.

So, what happens if someone decides to take a joyride with your identity? It's more than just an annoyance — it's a serious crime that can wreak havoc on your finances and take a chunk of your time and peace of mind to set right. From someone opening new accounts in your name, filing dodgy tax returns, or pulling off fraudulent medical claims, the effects can be pretty damaging. Here are 5 steps you can take to fight back and regain control:

Alert the Issuers of Your Paperwork

If you've had your ID swiped, report your stolen ID immediately to the agency that issued it. Got your bank account hacked? Ring up your bank. Credit card number swiped? Call the credit card company. Social Security number compromised? Reach out to the Social Security Administration. And remember, don't drag your feet because you don't want the police showing up at your door because someone else committed a crime under your name.

Freeze Your Credit or Set a Fraud Alert

Next, hit up the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You'll want to ask for a credit freeze or a fraud alert on your file. Both options are free and won't affect your credit score. A freeze locks down your credit, stopping most companies from checking your credit history without your say-so. However, certain entities like government agencies and debt collectors might still peek through. A fraud alert, on the other hand, puts lenders on notice to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name, and it lasts for one year.

Report to the Federal Trade Commission

Swing by IdentityTheft.gov courtesy of the FTC. This handy site guides you through reporting your stolen identity, tailored to the specific details of your situation. While the FTC doesn't chase down the thieves, it collects your reports to help facilitate investigations and prosecutions related to ID theft. Make sure to print a copy of your report—you'll likely need it for your bank and creditors.

Contact Your Local Law Enforcement

Don't forget to report the theft to your local police department. This can be crucial if the thief tries to pass off your ID during a police stop or other legal issues. It’s also useful when proving to banks and businesses that your identity was indeed stolen. Bring along some form of identification like a driver's license when you file the report.

Scrutinize and Correct Your Credit Reports

Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the credit bureaus. Go through each one with a fine-tooth comb for any unauthorized accounts or errors. If you spot mistakes, write to the bureaus to get them fixed, and send your letters via certified mail to ensure they receive them. You’ve got documentation, right? Keep copies of everything you send over. The bureaus have 30 days to investigate your claims.

© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

This article Had Your Identity Stolen? Don't Panic And Get Started With These 5 Things Right Away originally appeared on Benzinga.com .

Had Your Identity Stolen? Don't Panic And Get Started With These 5 Things Right Away

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  • What To Do Right Now
  • What Can Someone Do With Your Bank Account Number?

How Do Scammers Steal Bank Account Numbers?

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What To Do If Someone Has Your Bank Account Number

Contact your bank right away and watch out for unauthorized transactions

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If someone has your bank account number, you should act fast to prevent or minimize the impact of any potential fraud. Contact your bank right away, review your bank statements for any activity you don’t recognize, and check your credit reports.

Key Takeaways

  • After you discover someone has your bank account number, contact your bank as soon as possible.
  • If someone has your bank account number, they may be able to steal your money.
  • Thieves can acquire your bank account number in several ways, such as by directing you to click on a link they send in an email or text message.
  • Consider signing up for paperless statements so scammers can’t steal your bank statements from your mail.

What To Do Right Now If Someone Has Your Bank Account Number

Here are the steps to take right now if someone has gained access to your bank account number.

Review Your Bank Statements

Log in to your online account and check your recent banking activity. Are there any transactions that don’t look familiar or that you don’t remember making? These unauthorized charges might be the work of an online scammer who has your bank account number.

Contact Your Bank

Contact your bank or credit union immediately to let a customer service representative know that someone obtained your bank account number . This is especially important to do if you see suspicious activity—such as a check that you didn’t write—in your account. You should do this within 60 days of the statement showing the fraud, or you may be held liable for further fraudulent charges, although it’s still worth reporting fraud whenever it’s discovered.

If you believe somebody made an unauthorized transaction using your bank account information, request that the transaction be reversed and your money be returned.

Once you report an unauthorized transaction , your financial institution typically has 10 business days to look into it. If the bank finds that your complaint is legitimate, it must fix the situation within one business day of determining the complaint was legitimate. The bank must then share the findings of its investigation with you within three business days.

Federal law might offer you extra protection if an unauthorized transaction was made through an electronic funds transfer (such as an online bill payment) or with a debit card.

Consider Closing the Account

If someone has obtained unauthorized access to your bank account number, ask your financial institution to close your bank account and open a new one. Teri Williams, president and chief operating officer of OneUnited Bank, offered further points of advice.

Once you’ve closed the account, Williams recommends freezing your credit reports . Freezing your credit reports prevents creditors from accessing your credit file and prevents anyone from opening an account in your name.

“Although banks do not check your credit to open a bank account, they do check consumer reporting agencies to confirm your identity and will not open a new account if there is a freeze,” Williams said.

You can freeze and unfreeze your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus— Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at no cost.

Check Your Credit Reports

Whether or not you request a credit freeze, you should monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.

Report any suspected fraud to the three major credit bureaus and consider setting up a free fraud alert . You only need to notify one credit bureau to create a fraud alert, which will cover all three credit bureaus.

Inform the Federal Trade Commission

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of fraud, submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) . While reporting your suspicions might not help you immediately, it may help the FTC build criminal cases against scammers.

Report the Fraud

In addition to reporting it to the FTC, file a report of the suspected fraud with your local police or sheriff’s department. This is an important step in establishing a case of identity theft .

What Can Someone Do With Your Bank Account and Routing Numbers?

The consequences could be severe if your bank account number, routing number, or both wind up in the wrong hands. Potential issues include:

  • Money stolen from your account through an electronic payment or transfer
  • An online shopping spree carried out with money from your account
  • Phony checks printed with your bank account and routing numbers that can be used to take money from your account
  • A fake bank account established in your name
  • Money laundered through your account
  • Identity theft, such as if the scammers open new credit card accounts in your name

Unscrupulous fraudsters can access and steal bank account numbers in a number of ways:

  • Phishing: Phishing involves sending a fake email or text that prompts you to provide sensitive information, such as your bank account number. The email, text, or phone call may seem to be from your bank or another legitimate company, but is actually from a scammer.
  • Cyberattacks: A hacker may be able to worm their way into your computer, phone, or other electronic device and hunt for account numbers and other important data. They might also try to load your device with malware that grants them further access to your device and the information on it.
  • Data breaches: A hacker might break into a bank’s computer system and steal customers’ account numbers.
  • Mail theft: In some cases, a crook might sift through your mail or trash to find a bank statement that includes your personal information.

Tips to Protect Your Bank Account and Routing Number

A few simple strategies can help protect your banking information. Here are tips for keeping your bank account and routing numbers safe from scammers.

  • Be careful about clicking on links and downloading attachments in emails and other messages. Fraudsters can use links and attachments to phish for your bank account number, routing number, or other sensitive information. 
  • If you get a message that seems to be from your bank, don’t click on anything. Instead, call your bank’s customer service phone number and ask if they contacted you.
  • Sign up for paperless statements. Switching to electronic statements can reduce the risk that someone could steal your paper statements and get access to your bank account number.
  • Monitor your bank account. Regularly reviewing your account activity could help prevent fraud, or at least limit the damage if you notice and report it right away. It’s a good idea to frequently check your online banking account, read your monthly statements, and set up alerts to stay on top of account activity.
  • Use a debit card or credit card for online shopping, so you don’t need to provide your bank account number or routing number. Credit cards in particular have robust fraud protections , making them a relatively safe payment method.
  • Secure your account. Make it tougher for a thief to steal your bank account number or routing number by creating a hard-to-guess account password, setting up two-factor authentication for online accounts and electronic devices, and installing or updating security software on your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do you have to dispute unauthorized transactions to your bank.

You’ve got 60 days after receiving an account statement showing an unauthorized transaction to notify your bank that you want to dispute it. If you don’t notice suspicious transactions until after 60 days, you should still notify your bank, but you may not be able to recover the funds.

Can Someone Take Money From My Bank Account With Only My Account Number?

Fortunately, a scammer can’t withdraw money from your bank account with just your account number. To do so, they’d also need your bank’s routing number. 

Can Someone Take Money From My Bank Account With Only My Routing Number?

A routing number alone won’t allow access to money in your bank account. Everyone with an account at that bank will use the same routing number.

Are You Liable for Transactions That Scammers Make Using Your Account?

In general, you’re not liable for transactions made by scammers. However, you need to act fast: You could be held liable for at least part of an unauthorized transaction if you don’t notify your bank about it within a certain number of days. For example, you must tell your bank about any unauthorized transactions you spot within 60 days of receiving the statement showing that activity. If you don’t, you may be held liable for those charges and other fraudulent charges made after that.

Who Is It Safe to Give My Bank Account Numbers To?

You can usually provide bank account numbers without safety concerns to your employer, tax-filing services, payment and money transfer services, trusted relatives and friends, and companies that receive automatic bill payments from you.

If you believe someone has your bank account number and might use it to commit fraud, take action right away. Among the steps you should take are contacting your bank, reviewing your bank statements for unauthorized transactions, and checking your credit reports. Always protect your personal and financial information, including your bank account number, so that it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “ How Do I Get My Money Back After I Discover an Unauthorized Transaction or Money Missing From My Bank Account? ”

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “ What Does It Mean to Put a Security Freeze on My Credit Report? ”

Federal Trade Commission. “ What to Know About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts .”

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From 1916 to 1998, the FTC issued annual reports to Congress. The reports review the Commission’s previous fiscal year activity and provide descriptions of cases. In 1999, the FTC began preparing annual performance reports to submit to the Office of Management and Budget. From 1999 to 2001, the FTC’s Performance Report served as the Commission’s Annual Report. The FTC continues to publish a modified version of this report, the  Performance and Accountability Report , annually.

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That text about overdue toll charges is probably a scam

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When you go through a toll, you know you’ll need to pay a fee to use that road or bridge. But scammers are targeting drivers with text messages pretending to be from the tolling agency collecting “overdue toll charges.” Here’s what to know about this text scam.

The scammy text tells you to click a link to pay “overdue toll charges” to avoid late fees. But it’s probably not the tolling agency contacting you. It’s probably a scammer. Clicking the link can lead to a phishing attack , where the scammer tries to take your personal information (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal your identity . And if you pay, not only are you out the money, but the scammer gets your credit card number, too.

To spot and avoid text scams about a fake toll:

  • Slow down.  Don’t rush to click on links or respond to the text. Scammers want you to react quickly when they send you an unexpected text message, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
  • Check with the tolling agency.  If you’re worried the text is legit, check with the state’s tolling agency. But use a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text.
  • Report unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report these unwanted texts  to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM).
  • Don’t engage. Delete the message . Unwanted messages often lead to scams. Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text message. And don’t engage.

Share this information with people you know so they also can be prepared to spot and avoid the scam. And if you spot a text scam, the FTC wants to hear about it. Go to  ReportFraud.ftc.gov and tell us your story.

Toll text scam

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Yes--I just experienced this--a text message stating that I owed a toll to New Jersey. So I called the New Jersey toll office and they had no record of me owing a debt. I have since received additional text messages on this topic which I have ignored.

In reply to Yes--I just experienced this… by Charles Lowery

In my experience, notices of tolls due or overdue tolls always come by snail mail!

Thank you for the important information!

Thanks for update, I got a text like that a month ago for a state I had not traveller through.

The TEXT about overdue toll charges is 100% scam. If you owe a toll, they will notify you BY MAIL. Not text, not call, not email, not facebook messenger. By MAIL. Keep that in mind, when you get a message about overdue tolls, lost packages, and such.

This just happened to a friend of mine. She got a text that she owed California $11.69 and if she did not pay it she would be fined $50.00, She told me she went there in 2017 and asked me if I could help her pay it. I told her it appeared to be a scam but she asked me to pay it anyway. So I did it on her phone with her debit card. I told her to go to the bank the next day to make sure it was legit. This was a Sunday. Monday morning it was really bothering me so I looked it up and found something about it with the exact same amounts of money but from a different state. I contacted her and she went to the bank and got her card cancelled and they gave her a new one. Thankfully they didn't get any money. I also posted this on FB as I have many friends who use EasyPass and could also get scammed

I keep getting requests to pay my Florida transportation bill for a toll in Florida. I live in Washington state but how do I stop these?

In reply to I keep getting requests to… by rick reeves

With the message visible in your message app click on the menu and choose block number. This may appear not to work as these spammers use many numbers and number cloning. You may still get a message from another number. Just do the same thing again. That is the best we can do of which I am aware. Eventually, the FTC will get them. Good luck.

Im recibe same Tex Said I’m overdue. Payment

Great info!

I received this text last week and deleted it. Having recently paid legit tolls online, it may have given me pause but I knew any tolls I had were paid.

The new technology is not good for the people it is for fraud and malicious activity because the phones give out all of it internet all of it it's wrong and no one's doing nothing about it thank you

Toll scam text from 9029862330

Just got a text like described above.

I received a text saying Wisconsin tolls are overdue. Ha Wisconsin doesn’t have any tolls. I reported to ftc. Thanks for the helpful article!!

I got a message like this from “Wisconsin Toll Services.” Wisconsin has no toll roads.

In reply to I got a message like this… by Steve K

Um. Just FYI. Wisconsin DOES have toll roads. Take a look at the 290 and 294 for instance. Nonetheless, good job catching the scam.

I just received one of these which says I owe outstanding tolls in Wisconsin—where we don’t have toll roads! Unbelievable what these scammers are trying to pull.

Thanks, I haven't been to Washington state for a year and haven't rented a car to leave a data trail.

I have been scammed by the company that takes the pictures. Went through the toll with the device on the front window. They took a pic of the license plate and sent a pic of it. If they took a pic of the windshield they would see their device there. I wanted a trial to face my accuser and they would not do that. Was the Delaware bridge in NJ going to PA. So much for the constitution.

Just got one of these texts from “Alabama Sun Toll Pass”.

I don’t live near any toll roads, and the best part?

I don’t even have a car, lol

Helpful! Thank you. I received this text today, for an tiny amount $11 something.

Just got a text from a Alabama Toll Service with a link on my phone and i don't even drive disabled 902-986-0916 i know its a scam and blocked them

I got a supposed overdue toll of $11.69 from phone number (902)986-2330. I knew it was a scam because I don't travel on toll roads. Beware!

Thank you for this helpful notice. I was thinking this must be fake since the http which I checked on a second device would not go through. Also the big tip off was that I do not drive on toll roads regularly or even irregularly. Barb Bolton

1-902-986-0255 is the number that sent me the toll fee text. Get these stupid jerks out of here.

I got a text today from 902-980-0468. Said I owe 11.69 in tolls in Arizona and to pay through link to avoid 50.00 late penalty fee. Arizona doesn’t have tolls. I lived in Denver and would receive toll charges by mail. Even after I moved I received a toll charge by mail through my cars registered address at the DMV.

As others have mentioned, this is a phishing scam from 902-529-1032: "Arizona toll services: We've noticed an outstanding balance of $11.69 on your record. To prevent a late fee of $50.00, please visit https: [slash slash] sunspasservicestoll [dot] com. GoDaddy WHOIS says that this fake and misspelled domain name was registered 5/14/2024 from a Hong Kong-based domain registrar and uses China-based DNS provider. Obviously fake because AZ has no toll roads, 902 is Canadian area code, foreign domain registrar.

My wife got one for AZ, same amount $11.69. We don’t have toll roads in AZ.

I received this Tex at 11pm last night for an AZ toll fee. I live in a small town in AZ. We don't have any tolls or bridges to pay for crossing. This is a flat land desert. It's a Scam. Delete the Tex and don't reply.

Yes. I just received a text for owing that amount in Colorado which I have not driven in for over 6 years and certainly not on toll roads.

Yup. I got one too for Arizona toll roads. Since we recently traveled out of state, I thought I may have missed something. However, there are no Arizona toll roads! Reported. Deleted.

I got a text message saying I owed a toll fee to Arizona toll services from a phone number 902 986-3062 that I found was a Novia Scotia number. It said there would be an additional $50,00 charge. I tried to forward it to spam 7726 but it did not go through - then I deleted it.

I checked and don't really owe any toll. Wish the government could stop these people.

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  20. That text about overdue toll charges is probably a scam

    The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog.