Consumer Alert
That text about overdue toll charges is probably a scam
When you go through a toll, you know you’ll need to pay a fee to use that road or bridge. But scammers are targeting drivers with text messages pretending to be from the tolling agency collecting “overdue toll charges.” Here’s what to know about this text scam.
The scammy text tells you to click a link to pay “overdue toll charges” to avoid late fees. But it’s probably not the tolling agency contacting you. It’s probably a scammer. Clicking the link can lead to a phishing attack, where the scammer tries to take your personal information (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal your identity. And if you pay, not only are you out the money, but the scammer gets your credit card number, too.
To spot and avoid text scams about a fake toll:
- Slow down. Don’t rush to click on links or respond to the text. Scammers want you to react quickly when they send you an unexpected text message, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
- Check with the tolling agency. If you’re worried the text is legit, check with the state’s tolling agency. But use a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text.
- Report unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report these unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM).
- Don’t engage. Delete the message. Unwanted messages often lead to scams. Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text message. And don’t engage.
Share this information with people you know so they also can be prepared to spot and avoid the scam. And if you spot a text scam, the FTC wants to hear about it. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and tell us your story.
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I received the same text. Owing $11.69 with $50.00 late fee for not paying. Connecticut does not have tolls .
LOL we have no toll roads in Mississippi, I guess they'll just have to "charge" me the $50 late fee and sue for their payment ;)
Happened to me today! The scammer's number is (902) 986-3091
Just got a similar message for Nevada. Nevada doesn't have Toll roads. $11.69 balance and a $50.00 late fee. Beware.
Just received scammer text that I owe $11.69 plus $50 late fee for Utah toll......dirtbags!!
Received a similar text message yesterday from Sunpass. I received and paid a valid toll via a mail invoice several months ago, but from a different toll agency. This one was text from 204-296-5629
The first tip off for me was I haven't driven on a toll road in years, and NEVER driven on one without paying the toll in cash at the time.
The second was that the text didn't even identify the state where the toll was allegedly incurred, or give any information about the vehicle allegedly driven on the toll road.
Yes, I just got one from FastTrack San Francisco. It was a scam and according to fast track they don’t collect by text messages.
This is so coincidental. I just used a toll system a week ago. I almost never use the toll system and haven’t in about a year. Yet, this morning I get a message about owing. I swear it’s an inside job or a the toll company has a leak.
Looks like a toll road scam is being texted from (438) 368-1922.
I got one of these toll texts in Texas. It wasn't passing the smell test to me, so I checked this site. Thanks to everyone for all the good feedback.
Need to pay toll fines from Ct to Washington DC and back no paperwork daughter took the trip need paperwork to pay the fines
My wife got a similar text message, and when she tried to pay, she was asked for her birthdate. I told her it was probably a scam because we have not gone through any toll roads recently. I tried the link in another device, which stated "This rmatollservices.com page can't be found". Then I did a search and got to this site. Thanks for your work.
Just got scammed by "Indiana Toll Road Services" for an unpaid toll. The amount was very small but the access to my personal data is very disturbing!!! This was sent from 1-647-642-7335.
Had a text from NTTA (Texas) but the URL in the picture text was not correct so it was clearly fake. They also will never text you about tolls. The toll bill will always go to the mailing address on file for the car with that plate/VIN. Even if you have their tag, if that's overdrawn or empty or not counting for your vehicle: you get a letter by postal mail with corresponding documentation.