Toll Road Text Scams Are On the Rise

🚧 Toll Road Text Scams Are On the Rise — Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve received a suspicious text message recently claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls — you’re not alone. Across the U.S., scammers have launched a new wave of fraudulent text messages that impersonate toll authorities, hoping to trick people into paying fake fines or clicking malicious links.

These texts look convincing. They often mention legitimate-sounding agencies, use proper grammar, and include links that appear official. But make no mistake: this is a scam, and it’s targeting drivers from coast to coast.

In this post, we’ll walk through:

  • What the scam looks like
  • Why it’s working
  • What to do if you receive one
  • How to protect yourself (and your loved ones)
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What the Scam Looks Like

The scam usually starts with a text message that looks something like this:

“You have unpaid tolls. Pay immediately to avoid late fees: https://tolls-pay-now.com”

Or:

“TXDOT: Final Notice – you owe $11.42 in toll fees. Pay here: [link]”

These messages may:

  • Mention real toll agencies (e.g., TXDOT, EZ Pass, SunPass, or FastTrak)
  • Include random but believable dollar amounts
  • Use fear-based language like “final notice”, “avoid late fees”, or “account suspended”
  • Include links to fake payment portals

Once you click the link, the page may ask for:

  • Your credit card info
  • Your license plate number
  • Or worse, download malware onto your phone

Why This Scam Works

This scam taps into a few key psychological triggers:

  1. It feels urgent. No one wants to pay a late fee — or worse, risk legal trouble for unpaid tolls.
  2. It looks official. The language and design often mimic government websites or apps.
  3. Tolls are forgettable. You might not remember every toll road you drove on — especially if you’ve traveled recently.
  4. It’s sent via text. Most people associate scams with email, not SMS — so they’re less suspicious.

And the biggest reason? It’s personal. You don’t need to have driven through a toll booth recently to worry that you might have missed something.

What to Do if You Get One

If you receive a suspicious toll text message:

đźš« Do

not

click the link.

Even if it looks legit — just don’t.

📸 Take a screenshot.

You may want to report it later, and your toll agency might ask for proof.

🧽 Delete the message.

Don’t respond, don’t engage. Just get rid of it.

🕵️‍♀️ Verify your tolls manually.

If you’re unsure, visit your toll service provider’s official website directly — not through any link in a message. Most have a “Check My Toll Balance” or “Pay Tolls” option. Use that.

For example:

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