Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged Illinois residents on Mar. 30 to be vigilant against scam text messages that claim recipients have committed a traffic or tollway violation and must pay a fine. According to Raoul, these unsolicited texts are designed to trick people into sharing personal and financial information.
The alert is significant because such scams can lead to identity theft or financial loss for unsuspecting consumers. The Attorney General’s office said scammers often use technology to make their messages appear legitimate by spoofing local phone numbers or mimicking official correspondence.
“Illinois residents should be assured that government agencies will not call, text or email unprompted to ask for payment or personal information,” Raoul said. “If you receive such a message, even if the phone number appears to be local, do not respond. If you are unsure if the request is legitimate, contact the agency through the information provided on its official website.”
Raoul’s office advised consumers not to share sensitive data like Social Security numbers or bank details with unfamiliar organizations and never over text message or email. Residents were also cautioned against clicking links in suspicious messages as they may install malware or direct users to fraudulent websites where scammers can steal usernames and passwords.
Additional tips included avoiding sharing phone numbers online, being wary of urgent requests for action, refraining from responding even with “STOP,” monitoring credit transactions for unauthorized activity, and checking I-PASS and tollway accounts only through official channels like www.IllinoisTollway.com.
The Attorney General encouraged victims of identity theft or fraud related to these scams to file complaints via his website or with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Consumer Fraud Hotlines are available in multiple languages for those seeking assistance.
The Illinois Attorney General has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors according to the official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to the official website, aiming to protect consumers, promote safer communities and advocate for environmental and rights issues according to the official website. Its advocacy extends across Illinois according to the official website, working with law enforcement partners in support of crime victims while promoting open government according to the official website. Services include helping individuals file complaints regarding consumer fraud and civil rights matters according to the official website.
