A text message arrives claiming you owe a small unpaid toll—often just a few dollars. It warns that if you don’t pay immediately, you’ll face late fees, penalties, or even suspension of your vehicle registration. It may seem believable, but chances are it’s a scam.
These fake toll road text messages have become increasingly common across the country, even reaching people who haven’t driven on a toll road recently—or ever. Scammers send thousands of these messages at a time, hoping recipients will click the link without thinking twice.
The text usually directs you to a website that closely resembles a legitimate toll agency. Once there, you’re asked to enter your credit card information, personal details, or both. Instead of paying a toll, you’re handing sensitive information directly to criminals.
If you receive one of these messages, don’t click the link or reply. Instead, delete the text. If you think you may actually owe a toll, visit the toll agency’s official website by typing the address into your browser or use a trusted app you’ve used before. Never rely on a link sent in an unexpected text message.
It’s also wise to report the message as junk or spam through your phone’s messaging app. Doing so helps mobile providers identify and block similar scam messages in the future.
Scammers count on urgency and small dollar amounts to catch people off guard. Taking a few extra moments to verify before you pay can help protect your money—and your personal information—from falling into the wrong hands.
