BATON ROUGE – A fake webpage hosted by a Russian server was seized by Kenner Police Department. A state judge within the 24th Judicial Circuit issued an order allowing the department to seize the domain of the site that was scamming people around the state over the past weekend.
People are receiving text messages from an unknown number containing an image of an alert from GeauxPass, Louisiana’s toll system. In the image, recipients are prompted to pay their toll balance by entering a web address into their browser.
The website attempted to mimic the legitimate GeauxPass website, maintained by Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, by using similar colors and branding. However, links on the fraudulent website were not functional, and DOTD confirmed it was fake, Kenner Police reported.
Upon further investigation, Kenner Police found that the fraudulent website is hosted on a server located in Russia.
During a joint operation with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Intellectual Property Rights Center, Kenner Police seized the fraudulent website, putting up a notice.
According to the FCC, smishing involves deceptive text messages designed to gain access to your personal information, which can then be sold or used in other scams. The word “smishing” is a combination of “SMS” (short message service) and “phishing.”
An alert on GeauxPass’s “Contact Us” webpage warns customers about these text messages, stating that GeauxPass does not use text messaging to request toll payments and that this is part of a nationwide scam.
In an earlier press release, DOTD stated that this smishing scam is currently being investigated by the FBI, along with other fraudulent activities.
DOTD advises recipients to take the following steps if they receive the scam GeauxPass text message:
1. File a complaint with the IC3, at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to include: The phone number where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
2. Check your account using the Geaux Pass’s legitimate website.
3. Call the GeauxPass’s customer service phone number: (866) 662-8987.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges with your banker.
You can also report suspicious activity by contacting DOTD at (877) 452-3683 or visiting www.dotd.la.gov.
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