Drivers, beware: Your toll payments could be at risk thanks to this new scam!
- Replies 15
Toll roads are a part of a driver's life. After all, these roads make trips faster and easier.
However, with the promise of convenience comes scammers that can take advantage of people's needs.
One company warned drivers of a prevalent scam targeting travellers and drivers alike.
Linkt, the toll company servicing roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, recently issued a warning: scammers are on the prowl and are targeting toll users.
The scammers' tactics are cunning and deceptive: they send out SMS messages pretending to be from Linkt, claiming that toll payments are overdue and urging recipients to click on a link to make a payment or verify an unpaid bill.
These messages often include threats of fines, penalties, or fees if immediate payment isn't made.
However, these messages are not from Linkt or its parent firm, Transurban.
If you receive such a message, do not click on any links, call the number provided, or respond to the sender.
In response to this alarming rise in scams, Linkt advised users to be vigilant.
They recommended to avoid clicking on links in SMS messages, avoiding providing personal or financial information through email or SMS, and immediately changing passwords for security purposes.
If you receive a suspicious text or email, report it immediately by contacting Linkt here.
Since the Linkt brand became a target for scammers in 2021, Transurban has logged over 470,000 scam reports, highlighting the scale of this issue.
Linkt will never ask you to pay via an SMS link.
Always log in through the Linkt app (available on iOS or Android) or their official website to manage your account and check for any outstanding tolls.
Since 2021, Linkt has blocked over 38,000 unique numbers linked to scam attempts—with 10,000 of those identified this year alone.
Additionally, they've shut down 2,200 fake URLs that were part of these deceitful schemes.
Chris Jackson, General Manager of Customer Experience at Transurban, has emphasised the importance of reporting these scams.
'Reporting a scam is fast, easy, and our best defence against hackers. Every report is valuable,' he said.
'Even if you are not fooled, reporting a scam helps us protect more vulnerable community members.'
This warning is part of a broader concern as Victoria Police and other authorities continue to caution the public against cybercrime.
Courier Australia Post was hit by similar scams, with customers receiving text messages demanding fees for processing deliveries.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported over $2.7 billion in losses to scams alone.
Investment scams, remote access swindles, and romance cons are among the many prevalent scams affecting Aussies' lives and wallets.
You may report any cases of scams on the Scamwatch website.
The SDC Forum’s Scam Watch section also has updates and tips on how to combat prevalent scams.
Have you or someone you know encountered the Linkt scam message? What measures are you taking to safeguard your personal information? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below.
However, with the promise of convenience comes scammers that can take advantage of people's needs.
One company warned drivers of a prevalent scam targeting travellers and drivers alike.
Linkt, the toll company servicing roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, recently issued a warning: scammers are on the prowl and are targeting toll users.
The scammers' tactics are cunning and deceptive: they send out SMS messages pretending to be from Linkt, claiming that toll payments are overdue and urging recipients to click on a link to make a payment or verify an unpaid bill.
These messages often include threats of fines, penalties, or fees if immediate payment isn't made.
Scammers have targeted toll users in a new elaborate scam. Image Credit: Pexels/Sora Shimazaki
However, these messages are not from Linkt or its parent firm, Transurban.
If you receive such a message, do not click on any links, call the number provided, or respond to the sender.
In response to this alarming rise in scams, Linkt advised users to be vigilant.
They recommended to avoid clicking on links in SMS messages, avoiding providing personal or financial information through email or SMS, and immediately changing passwords for security purposes.
If you receive a suspicious text or email, report it immediately by contacting Linkt here.
Since the Linkt brand became a target for scammers in 2021, Transurban has logged over 470,000 scam reports, highlighting the scale of this issue.
Linkt will never ask you to pay via an SMS link.
Always log in through the Linkt app (available on iOS or Android) or their official website to manage your account and check for any outstanding tolls.
Since 2021, Linkt has blocked over 38,000 unique numbers linked to scam attempts—with 10,000 of those identified this year alone.
Additionally, they've shut down 2,200 fake URLs that were part of these deceitful schemes.
Chris Jackson, General Manager of Customer Experience at Transurban, has emphasised the importance of reporting these scams.
'Reporting a scam is fast, easy, and our best defence against hackers. Every report is valuable,' he said.
'Even if you are not fooled, reporting a scam helps us protect more vulnerable community members.'
This warning is part of a broader concern as Victoria Police and other authorities continue to caution the public against cybercrime.
Courier Australia Post was hit by similar scams, with customers receiving text messages demanding fees for processing deliveries.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported over $2.7 billion in losses to scams alone.
Investment scams, remote access swindles, and romance cons are among the many prevalent scams affecting Aussies' lives and wallets.
You may report any cases of scams on the Scamwatch website.
The SDC Forum’s Scam Watch section also has updates and tips on how to combat prevalent scams.
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