Scammers threaten FasTrak users with text message demanding money

Metro officials are warning Southern California residents of a new scam targeting FasTrak users this holiday season.

The text asks for the person to pay for their use of a FasTrak lane to avoid excessive late fees and potential legal action on the bill.

"As soon as Metro became aware of the fraudulent text messages, we posted a warning about it on our ExpressLanes website home page," Metro officials said Thursday. "The ExpressLanes system has not been hacked, and no customer information has been compromised."

Customers will never receive text messages asking for information or requesting payment, Metro officials said, adding that people should not respond to the phishing attempts or click on any links the scammers include.

This type of scam isn't new, with Northern California residents experiencing an "uptick" in these messages earlier this year, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who issued a warning on July 1.

“Scammers are often quite literally in our pockets, just a text away," Bonta said at the time. "Text-based toll charge scams are on the rise and knowing what to look for is an important way to keep consumers safe against these tactics.

“I urge Californians to take practical steps to guard against being victimized by scammers, including talking to friends and family who may be unaware of these dangers," he added.

To avoid being the victim of a scam, state officials issued the following advice:

• Don’t rush to click on links or respond to the text. Scammers want you to react quickly when they send you an unexpected text message, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
• If you’re worried the text is not legit, check with the state’s tolling agency. But use a phone number or website you know is real to do so — not the info from the text.
• Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report these unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM).
• Unwanted messages often lead to scams. Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text message. And don’t engage.
• Share this information with people you know. Everyone can be prepared to spot and avoid the scam.

People may also file a complaint with the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission and the state Attorney General's office. 

The California FasTrak system is a toll system that covers more than 800 miles across California. It's advertised as a way for drivers to avoid traffic.

There is currently no FasTrak system in place on Long Beach's freeways. But it runs through the 10 and 110 freeways in Los Angeles, along with the 91 and 405 freeways in Orange County.