Numerous Georgians hit with rip-off texts saying they owe Peach Move, toll cash

ATLANTA – There is a good probability you already have one. 

A wave of rip-off texts claiming unpaid toll violations has flooded Georgia drivers’ telephones, prompting state toll officers to problem a warning the general public.

The phishing rip-off has hit different elements of the nation, from Massachusetts to California.

Now, they’re focusing on Georgia drivers. Authorities say the messages are fraudulent and shouldn’t be trusted.

What we all know:

The rip-off messages falsely declare recipients owe cash on unpaid tolls or Peach Move accounts, threatening penalties or authorized motion if they don’t pay. 

Ericka Bayonne, a spokesperson for the State Highway and Tollway Authority, stated they’re phony. 

“This isn’t Peach Move,” Bayonne stated. “This isn’t the State Highway and Tollway Authority.”

The Authority confirmed that some folks have reported falling for the rip-off by clicking on the hyperlinks offered. 

“Sadly, we do have individuals who have succumbed to this they usually’ve clicked on the hyperlinks,” she stated. Officers stress that Peach Move won’t ever request cost through textual content message.

The backstory:

The rip-off texts embody a seemingly authentic URL—”MyPeachPass.com”—adopted by random characters. 

Bayonne warned, “Do not assume that since you see ‘MyPeachPass.com’ embedded within the area identify that it is us.”

The State Highway and Tollway Authority has acquired an inflow of calls from confused drivers, she stated, main officers to escalate the matter to the FBI and FCC. 

She stated investigators are actually working to find out the supply of those phishing messages.

What they’re saying:

Rajiv Garg, an affiliate professor of knowledge techniques & operations administration at Emory College’s Goizueta Enterprise Faculty, advised FOX 5 the texts are a type of psychological manipulation.

He warns that responding to the texts may put people at better danger. 

“[They] wish to know who you might be. And as soon as they validate by responding, now [they] can goal you much more,” Garg defined.

Officers suggest reporting the messages as a substitute, so your provider can monitor the scammers. 

“They’re getting artistic with the expertise that they are utilizing,” Bayonne stated. “So just remember to defend your self.”

What you are able to do:

Officers advise anybody who receives these texts to not click on any hyperlinks or reply. 

As a substitute, they counsel clicking “Report Junk” to inform cell carriers and assist monitor the rip-off’s origin. 

In case you do in actual fact owe cash on a toll or Peach Move, they are saying they’ll all the time mail you about it, and you will all the time have the ability to name and confirm it, Bayonne stated.