SCAM LIBRARY · PHISHING & LINKS
The unpaid-toll text
Scammers send text messages pretending you owe money for unpaid tolls, trying to trick you into clicking a link or calling a number so they can steal your personal information.
Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-07
How it works
You receive an urgent text claiming you have an unpaid toll balance and must act immediately. The message includes a link or phone number and creates pressure by suggesting your account will be suspended, your vehicle will be flagged, or you'll face fines if you don't respond right away.
What it can look like
You get a text saying something like 'Alert: Your vehicle has an unpaid toll of $47. Click here to pay or your license will be flagged.' When you click the link or call the number, you're directed to a fake website or person who asks for your driver's license number, payment card details, or banking information.
Red flags
- Text arrives unexpectedly, often from an unfamiliar number or short code
- Message creates artificial urgency ('Act now' or 'Your account will be suspended')
- You're asked to click a link, call a number, or provide personal details via text
- The message doesn't match any toll road or agency you actually use
- Grammar or formatting looks odd, or the sender's name seems generic
What to do
- Do not click any links or call any number in the message. If you think you may owe a toll, contact the toll agency directly using a phone number or website you find independently.
- Delete the message and do not reply or provide any information.
- Report the scam text to reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track the pattern and protect others.