WARNING: SCAM ALERT For New Jersey Drivers To Avoid🚨

🚨WARNING: SCAM ALERT For New Jersey Drivers To Avoid🚨

I was going about my day recently when I heard the alert that a text message had come in to my phone. I didn't look at first, but later in the day, I looked at messages and saw that I had an alert from an unknown number. The first clue when it comes to scams is where it's from. If it's an unknown number, there is the first red flag.

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Next, the text appears to be a foreign exchange, red flag number two! Then when I saw it was a "driving violation," I knew it was a classic phishing scam trick. I knew I didn't have a driving violation, but it makes you think, and no one wants the authorities coming after them.

Above is the message. I did enhance the text with the "scam alert" police and siren, which was to get your attention and show you what I avoided. They were obviously looking to get me to engage with them, and then they might get to my information and/or get me to send them money. As with all electronic scams, the bottom line is always money.

If you look closely at the top of the text, you see the phone number the text originated from, and you see "+63", and after further investigation, that exchange is from the Philippines. So, unless you have family, friends, or business, this is a phone number you have no connection with.

Another reason I know it's a total scam is that I have EZ Pass and my account keeps me up to date on all my toll expenses. I did not travel out of our EZ Pass region, so I have no unpaid tolls. I know it's not a lot of money, but these thieves look to hook thousands, and it adds up. Additionally, who knows what kind of damage they can do if they get you to expose accounts and other information.

Be safe and keep an eye out, and avoid scams. Like the old saying, "it's better to be safe than sorry". If you get a toll violation via text, contact authorities before you engage them.

"I am not a legal authority or law enforcement officer, the suggestions are simply friendly reminders after I received this scam. If you feel at risk, contact authorities for further direction."

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