Metro East Sun

State Representative Amy Elik is alerting constituents to a phishing scam currently circulating. The latest scam involves a text message purporting to be from the “Illinois Tollway,” requesting a specific amount of money.

Rep. Elik advises recipients of this message to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and then delete the message.

“Phishing scams are becoming more complicated and realistic. It’s more important than ever to be diligent and responsible when giving out personal information,” said Elik. “If you are not completely certain of a source, do not give out any personal information.”

Phishing email messages, websites, and text messages are designed to steal money. Text phishing involves sending fraudulent text messages that appear legitimate, often incorporating company logos that seem authentic.

A typical online phishing scam starts with a text message that appears to come from a trusted source, such as a credit card company or reputable online merchant. These messages direct recipients to fraudulent websites or ask them to open attachments containing potential viruses or requests for personal information. The stolen information is usually used for identity theft.