Stay Alert: Protect Yourself from Spoofed Numbers and Fraudulent Toll Texts

In today's digital age, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods to deceive unsuspecting victims. Two prevalent scams that have been making headlines and affecting LincOne members are spoofed phone numbers and fake toll booth payment texts. Understanding these scams can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling prey to these deceptive tactics.

Spoofed Phone Numbers

Spoofing involves manipulating the caller ID to display a different phone number than the actual one being used. Scammers use this technique to impersonate trusted entities such as financial institutions, government agencies, or even friends and family. The goal is to trick you into providing personal information, making payments, or clicking on malicious links.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the Caller: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the organization directly using a known, official number.
• Don't Share Personal Information: Never give out personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity.
• Use Call Blocking Apps: Consider using apps that can detect and block spoofed calls.

Here's a few phone numbers that were impersonating LincOne: (402) 414-4721,  (262) 294-2634, and (919) 341-8304.

Fake Toll Booth Payment Texts

Another common scam involves receiving text messages claiming you owe money for toll booth payments. These messages often include a link to a fake payment portal designed to steal your payment information.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the Source: Check your toll payment history through official channels before making any payments.
• Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages. Instead, visit the official website directly.
• Report the Scam: If you receive a suspicious text, report it to your mobile carrier and the appropriate authorities.

Here's an example of a fraudulent toll booth text. 

By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these scams. Always verify the authenticity of any communication that requests personal or financial information. If you receive a phone call, text, e-mail or anything that seems suspicious, give us a call at (402) 441-3555, email us or stop into one our locations and we will be happy to help!