Karmactive Staff
A wave of deceptive text messages claiming to be from toll collection agencies is hitting phones across the country. These scams impersonate legitimate services like E-ZPass and the Indiana Toll Road, tricking drivers into paying fake toll fees.
The texts typically claim recipients have an unpaid toll balance that requires immediate attention. They include links to websites designed to steal personal and financial information, according to warnings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
“Legitimate toll agencies will never request payment through a text message,” said Megan White, Marketing and Communications Specialist with the BBB. “If you get one, don’t click the link. Instead, visit the agency’s official website or call their customer service directly.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has received more than 2,000 complaints about these “smishing” scams representing toll road collection services in three states. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a fresh warning in January, noting that scammers are pretending to be toll agencies from “coast to coast.”
The term “smishing” combines “SMS” (short message service) and “phishing,” referring to attacks using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to hackers.
What makes these scams particularly effective is their personalization. The messages often reference the toll service in your state – for example, mentioning FastTrak for California residents or E-ZPass for those in New York or other states using that system.
The BBB warns that scammers are increasingly using AI to create more convincing fake websites, making it harder for consumers to spot fraud. These sites can closely mimic legitimate toll agency websites.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently issued warnings about similar text messages targeting E-Z Pass users in Virginia. VDOT emphasized that toll bills will never be sent from VDOT or the Virginia DMV by text message.
According to reports on fraud in general, billions of dollars are lost to scams each year, highlighting the financial impact of these types of deceptive practices.
If you receive a text claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls, officials recommend:
- Do not click any links in the message
- Visit the official toll agency website directly to check your account
- Report suspicious messages to the FTC and FBI
- Block and delete the message
Consumer protection experts advise monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized charges if you’ve already clicked on suspicious links and considering fraud alerts on credit reports.
Financial experts emphasize the importance of verifying toll balances through official state highway toll websites to avoid falling victim to fraud.
The scam messages create a false sense of urgency, pressuring recipients into believing they have outstanding toll violations that must be resolved immediately to avoid steep penalties. This urgency can cause people to act hastily without verifying the message’s legitimacy.
As these scams continue to circulate, staying informed and vigilant remains the best defense against falling victim to these deceptive practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a toll road text message is a scam?
Legitimate toll agencies never request payment through text messages. Be suspicious of texts claiming you owe money, especially if they contain links. Other warning signs include messages about states you haven’t visited recently, misspellings, and URLs that don’t match the official toll agency website.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious toll road text message?
Don’t click any links in the message. Instead, delete the text and block the number. If you want to check if you actually have unpaid tolls, visit the official toll agency website directly by typing the URL into your browser or call their customer service number.
What is “smishing” and how does it work?
“Smishing” combines “SMS” (text messaging) and “phishing.” It’s when scammers send fake text messages trying to trick you into clicking malicious links, sharing personal information, or sending money. These texts often appear to come from trusted organizations like toll agencies.
What happens if I clicked a link in a fake toll road text?
If you’ve already clicked a link, monitor your financial accounts closely for unauthorized charges. Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports and changing passwords for any accounts where you may have entered information. Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
How are scammers making their fake websites look so real?
According to the BBB, scammers are now using AI technology to create more convincing fake websites that closely mimic legitimate toll agency sites. This makes it increasingly difficult for consumers to spot fraudulent pages, which is why it’s important to always access toll services through official channels.
Where can I report toll road text scams?
Report suspicious toll road text messages to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and the BBB Scam Tracker. Include details like the phone number the text came from and any website links included in the message.
