Text message scam hits Delta County

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – The Delta County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is warning residents of another phone scam.

Several citizens reported receiving text messages from a 438 area code, telling recipients they needed to pay a toll fee for the Denver metropolitan area. The alleged toll was $49.99 and the text message contained a link to “pay” the fee.

The fraudulent link will direct recipients to a fake website that may contain viruses, malware, or other harmful content to the user’s device if clicked.

The E-470 Public Highway Authority and ExpressToll will never ask for payment information via SMS.

If you receive a text message from a scammer, the following steps are suggested:

File a complaint with IC3, www.ic3.gov, including:
1. The phone number the text came from.
2. The website listed in the text
Verify your account using the legitimate toll service website.
Contact the toll service customer service phone number.
Delete all received texts.
If you clicked on a link or provided information, be sure to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unknown charges.