Urgent Alert: Smishing Scams Target North Americans NOW

URGENT UPDATE: A wave of “smishing” scams is sweeping across North America, targeting unsuspecting individuals through deceptive text messages. If you’ve recently received a text claiming you owe an “unpaid radar ticket” or “toll violation,” you could be the latest victim of this alarming scam.

Authorities confirm that these fraudulent messages, often appearing from unknown numbers, are designed to trick victims into clicking links and providing sensitive personal information. Jeff Horncastle, a client and communications outreach officer at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, warns that these scams are particularly insidious as they play on the fears of travelers, especially those in Canada who may be anxious about tolls or traffic fines.

Last month, the Competition Bureau of Canada issued a warning about these texts, which can include messages claiming to detect “suspicious activity” on your account. The Ontario Provincial Police and Calgary Police have also shared similar alerts, cautioning individuals about texts from supposedly official sources like Service Ontario.

In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission highlighted a parallel scam in May, noting that fraudsters are exploiting the rise of cashless toll systems. They send texts that instill fear of unpaid tolls to lure victims into giving up their money.

Horncastle emphasizes the importance of vigilance, stating, “What they’re looking for is victims who will click on these links and provide personal information, primarily credit card and driver’s license details.” He urges individuals to take a moment to analyze any unsolicited messages before acting.

To protect yourself, always verify the sender’s information by contacting the official organization directly through their website, rather than engaging with links or numbers provided in the text. Some scammers use “call ID spoofing,” making it appear as though the message is coming from an official source, complicating identification.

Beware of messages requesting personal information or creating a sense of urgency, telling you to “pay now.” These texts often contain suspicious links that may feature errors or unusual URLs. Horncastle advises, “The best way to protect yourself may be the most obvious: don’t click on suspicious links.”

If you receive such messages, forward them to 7726 to report the scam and inform the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through their website. Ignoring prompts to reply with “STOP” or “NO” is crucial; instead, block the number and delete the message.

Horncastle stresses the importance of sharing this information with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams. “If we have Canadians equipped to protect themselves, it’s crucial to share that information with loved ones,” he said.

As these scams continue to proliferate, staying informed and vigilant is essential to safeguarding your personal information.

Stay alert and protect yourself—smishing scams are on the rise, and being proactive is your best defense.