Fake toll road payment and violation text scams
Last verified:
Scammers send texts claiming you owe unpaid tolls through programs such as E-ZPass, FasTrak, or SunPass. Messages may threaten late fees or registration suspension and link to phishing sites. FCC consumer guidance warns that legitimate toll agencies generally do not demand immediate payment through unsolicited text links.
- Impersonated brand
- E-ZPass, FasTrak, SunPass, and other U.S. toll programs
- Scam type
- SMS phishing (smishing)
- Common delivery methods
- SMS / text message
How this scam works
You receive a text saying you have an unpaid toll, toll violation, or overdue balance. The message may name a real toll brand to appear credible. It typically includes a link to pay immediately or verify your account. The link may open a fake payment page designed to capture card details or login credentials. Scammers may spoof sender numbers so the text appears to come from a toll operator.
Warning signs
- An unexpected toll due notice by text when you have not received prior account communication you recognize.
- Threats of registration suspension, legal action, or large late fees for immediate payment.
- A payment link rather than directions to sign in through the official toll program website or app.
- Generic greetings such as “Dear customer” instead of account details you expect.
- A toll brand for a state or program you do not use.
- Requests for payment by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
How to verify safely
- Do not click the link in the text.
- Open your toll account by typing the official website address yourself or using a saved bookmark.
- Call customer service using a number from the official toll program site — not from the text.
- If you rarely use toll roads, treat an urgent toll demand as suspicious until verified independently.
If you received this message
- Do not pay through a link in an unsolicited text.
- Do not enter personal or financial information on pages opened from the message.
- Report the text to your toll agency if they publish scam reporting guidance.
- Delete the message after reporting.
If you already clicked or paid
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately.
- Document the text, any fake payment page, and transaction details.
- Follow IdentityTheft.gov if personal identifiers were submitted.
Official reporting guidance
- Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Forward smishing texts to 7726 (SPAM) where supported.
- Report to ic3.gov if you lost money or shared sensitive information.
- Notify your state toll agency using official contact information from their website.
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Fraudly resources
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Impersonated brand: United States Postal Service (USPS)
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Impersonated brand: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
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Impersonated brand: Social Security Administration (SSA) and SSA Office of the Inspector General
Last verified:
Real toll accounts can have legitimate balances and notices through official channels. This alert covers impersonation via unsolicited texts with payment links. Fraudly does not confirm whether a specific toll balance is owed.
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