Inside the Toll Payment Phishing Scam: Smishing Tactics, IOCs & Defense Tips
7 days ago
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By Aaron Martin & Tom Aldrich
Phishing continues to evolve, and the latest wave comes via text messages, not email. These SMS-based attacks, known as smishing, now mimic toll agencies and DMVs to trick victims into paying fake fines.
The Setup
Victims receive a message posing as a final notice from their state DMV or toll collection agency. The messages cite unpaid violations, quote fabricated statutes, and threaten license suspension or legal action unless immediate payment is made. Each message includes a link to a realistic-looking but malicious payment portal.
Examples seen in the wild:
Georgia DMV: <https://mypeachpass.gov-apfz.win/pay>
California DMV: <https://ca.dmv-govlpo.win/portal>
New York DMV: <https://dmv.ny-govush.vip/us>
Technical Analysis: Peach Pass Clone
We analyzed mypeachpass.gov-apfz.win, a phishing clone of Georgia's toll service:
Realistic design: Most links redirect to the real Peach Pass site.
Fake payment portal: Clicking "Pay Now" opens a form that collects full personal and credit card data.
Validation logic: Accepts Stripe test cards to simulate a working transaction.
Final step: Loops user in a spinning "Visa verification" screen while exfiltrating data.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Domain: mypeachpass.gov-apfz.win
IP: 185.178.208.152
SSL Issuer: Let's Encrypt
Why It Works
Exploits trust in state agencies
Delivered via SMS, which many users inherently trust
Uses urgency and scare tactics
Hosted on believable domains with free SSL
Advanced impersonation techniques increase believability
Threat Landscape
According to the 2023 IC3 Internet Crime Report, smishing attacks caused over $80 million in financial losses, a 58% increase year-over-year. These types of phishing attacks are now among the top 5 most reported cybercrime tactics. The widespread use of mobile messaging — combined with the urgency and official tone of government-themed lures — makes toll-style phishing particularly effective.
What to Do
Block similar domains at the network layer
Monitor for clone site registrations
Alert users that these scams come via text, not email
Add IOCs to your threat intelligence feeds
Report it by forwarding to 7726 (SPAM) — a number used by most mobile carriers in the US.
About 360 Privacy We’re not just tracking these scams — we’re actively protecting executives, families, and businesses from them. At 360 Privacy, our team blends intelligence, security engineering, and privacy expertise to reduce real-world risk. Interested in what we’re building or how we think about defense? Explore more insights or reach out for a briefing.
