LANSING, Mich. - Following a recent phishing attempt mimicking the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) website, State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich has issued a staunch reminder to all Michigan residents hoping to avoid falling victim to a scam. While Michigan does not operate toll roads, and will not solicit payment via text message, the most recent scam in circulation features a fraudulent state website with a different URL, creating additional concern for recipients.
“Please be assured this is a scam and the texts are not coming from the MDOT or another State of Michigan agency,” said Wieferich. “MDOT does not operate any toll roads. Some state-owned bridges are tolled but not through license plate capture. You would not receive a bill through text or email.”
Recipients of fraudulent texts should not click on any links or share personal or financial information in response to those texts. The text should be reported as junk and deleted. Director Wieferich encourages anyone who is concerned by fraudulent messages to reach out to MDOT for assurance that they do not owe any money for unpaid tolls. Calls can be made to 517-241-2400 or emails submitted to MDOT@Michigan.gov.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has closely followed the recent rash of toll scams and has issued reminders to help all Michiganders avoid falling victim to these phishing attempts, along with how best to report a scam to officials.
Attorney General Nessel is also reminding consumers that government agencies:
Will not request personal information through email, over the phone or text.
Will never demand money through email, over the phone or text. They will mail you a notice and offer payment options.
Will not ask for nor accept payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app.
This is an example of the fraudulent images being included in a recent round of toll road scam attempts, mimicking MDOT’s website. Note the highlighted web address that is different than the Michigan.gov URL for State of Michigan websites.
courtesy of MDOT
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