East Bay residents are raising concerns over a new phishing scam involving fake FasTrak payment requests.
The scam begins with a text message claiming the recipient owes money for a FasTrak toll and must pay immediately to avoid late fees or legal action. The text includes a suspicious link leading to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal and financial information.
The scam has caught many off guard, with some residents initially unsure if the message was legitimate. Gwen C., from Hedgewood, admitted she nearly fell for it. “I thought I was too savvy for that, but they got me,” she said, explaining how she had to cancel her credit card after clicking the link.
Others, like Tina R. from Burton Valley, avoided trouble by conducting a quick online search to confirm the message was fake. “As soon as I looked it up, I realized it was a scam and deleted it,” she said.
The Bay Area Telegraph tested the link, and we confirmed it is malware.
The messages are often sent from unfamiliar phone numbers, with some reportedly originating from international locations like the Philippines. David C., a Clayton Valley resident, expressed skepticism about the scam’s premise. “How in the world would the bridge authority have the cell phone number to text a message to any given car that drives across a bridge?” he questioned, highlighting one of the many red flags in the scam’s execution.
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Across the East Bay, residents from Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and other nearby neighborhoods have shared similar stories of receiving these texts. Martha L., from Graceland Acres, said she immediately recognized it as a scam and deleted the message. Others, like Beryl S. in Clayton Valley Highlands, sought advice from family members. “I showed it to my son, and he said, ‘Don’t pay a dime, Mom! It’s a scam,’” she shared.
For some, the scam has caused moments of confusion. Terry V., from Fair Oaks, said she initially considered paying the fee until a friend convinced her to investigate further. “If I hadn’t been talking to a friend when I got the message, I might have fallen for it,” she said.
Community members are advising others to stay vigilant. Nam L., from North Pleasant Hill, warned, “Even if it looks like it’s from a well-known company, delete it. Never click on links or respond.”
To avoid falling victim to this scam, residents are urged to verify any toll-related payments through the official FasTrak website or customer service line.
Legitimate toll authorities do not request payments via text messages or link users to unofficial websites. If you receive one of these messages, delete it immediately and report it to your phone carrier or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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