Motorists apt to skip Toronto traffic by hopping onto Highway 407 should be wary of incoming text messages.
Earlier this month, 407 ETR, the private company responsible for operating the tolled highway that stretches from Burlington, Ont., to Pickering, Ont., reported that customers are being targeted by a phishing scam where they receive text messages impersonating the company asking recipients to click on a payment link. By clicking on the link, customers are left vulnerable to personal data theft.
“At 407 ETR, we prioritize protecting our customer’s data at every step and we understand the serious nature of these fraudulent texts,” said Javier Tamargo, the president and CEO of 407 ETR, in a statement. “We’re working closely with our internal cybersecurity teams to ensure fraudulent domains are taken down as soon as they are identified. Customers are always encouraged to be extra vigilant when clicking on links.”
Approximately 1,500 reports have been filed by customers who received fraudulent texts since December 2023, and 407 ETR has already shut down 25 fraudulent domains this year. The company does issue payment reminder text messages to customers with outstanding balances, but the link in these texts takes recipients to 407 ETR’s secure website, not a direct payment link.
Before clicking on any links in a text message, make sure it matches 407 ETR’s official domain, 407etr.com. Avoid any texts asking for personal information, such as passwords, PINs, or credit card numbers. Be wary of texts with poor grammar or formatting issues. And watch out for texts that use threatening language, pressuring recipients to pay.
If you’re unsure about a text message, customers can log into 407 ETR’s website through 407etr.com/myaccount to check balances and make a payment.
Customers should also note that as of February 1, 407 ETR has upped its toll rates for light vehicles after keeping them frozen during the Covid-19 pandemic. The rates will depend on the time of day and the area in which a motorist is driving, but the company said customers should expect a monthly bill increase of less than $5.
Since 407 ETR took control of the highway in 1999, its length and use has grown considerably. Highway 407 now stretches 108 kilometres across the top of the GTA, and it has reported over 2.2 billion kilometres travelled by motorists in 2022, with 1.7 million transponders currently in circulation.
“407 ETR remains committed to providing the exceptional service we’re known for both on and off the road,” Tamargo said. “Since 1999, traffic on the highway has grown by over 70 per cent. Ontarians continue to recognize the value of a safe, fast, and reliable commute.”
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