Got a Text About Unpaid Tolls? It’s Probably a Scam
Have you received a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls? Whether you’ve driven on a toll road recently or not, there’s a good chance it’s a scam.
Scammers are impersonating toll agencies nationwide, sending out fake texts demanding payment. If you’re not careful, you could end up losing money—or even worse, becoming a victim of identity theft.
How the Toll Text Scam Works
- You receive a random text claiming you have unpaid tolls and need to pay immediately. The message may:
- Show a dollar amount of how much you supposedly owe.
- Contain a link to make a payment.
Seems legit, right? Wrong.
If you click the link, you’ll likely land on a fake website designed to steal your:
- Bank or credit card details
- Driver’s license number
- Other personal information
These smishing scams don’t just take your money — they can also be used to steal your identity.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive one of these texts, don’t panic. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Don’t click on any links. Scammers count on you reacting quickly — take a moment to stop and think.
- Check for legitimacy. Visit your state’s tolling agency website or call a trusted phone number you look up—not the one in the text.
- Report & delete. Use your phone’s “report junk” option or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). After reporting, delete the text.
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, which is why it’s so important to remain vigilant to help protect your money and identity.
