Toll Road Text Scams Are in Overdrive. How to Spot Them

The Rise of Smishing Scams: Unpaid Toll Messages on the Increase

In recent months, drivers across the U.S. have noticed a significant surge in text messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls. These messages, which appear to come from legitimate tolling agencies, are part of a growing wave of smishing scams—a cousin of phishing, but conducted via SMS. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state authorities, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have issued warnings about these fraudulent texts, urging drivers to remain vigilant.

The texts typically claim that you owe a specific amount, often with vague threats of late fees or penalties if you don’t act quickly. They include a link prompting you to settle the alleged debt. However, clicking on the link could lead to serious consequences, as scammers aim to steal your personal and financial information, potentially leading to identity theft. The FTC has explicitly warned that these texts are scams, and drivers should avoid interacting with them.

How These Scams Work: Understanding Smishing Tactics

Smishing scams exploit the trust people have in text messages, particularly since texting has become a common way to receive updates about everyday matters like flights, payments, and account notifications. Scammers leverage this familiarity to make their messages seem legitimate. For example, the FBI shared a template of these fraudulent texts:

"(State Toll Service Name): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit [fake link] to settle your balance."

These messages often create a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly, which increases the likelihood of impulsive decisions. According to cybersecurity experts, scammers may trick you into sharing sensitive information like your driver’s license, credit card details, or even login credentials. In some cases, clicking the link may download malware to your device, further compromising your security.

How to Avoid Falling for a Toll Smishing Scam

While it’s impossible to entirely stop unwanted spam texts, you can take steps to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Experts recommend the following strategies:

1. Slow Down and Stay Calm: Scammers rely on creating urgency to provoke quick reactions. If a message makes you anxious or rushed, pause and assess its legitimacy before taking any action.

2. Verify Through Official Channels: Toll agencies rarely send random texts about unpaid tolls. If you’re unsure, contact the agency directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate—not the one provided in the text.

3. Avoid Clicking Links: Hover over links to verify the URL before clicking. If the website doesn’t match the official toll agency’s site, it’s likely a scam.

4. Watch for Typos and Red Flags: Scam messages often contain spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or incorrect contact information. Be cautious of such signs.

By adopting these practices, you can significantly lower the risk of falling for a toll smishing scam.

How to Spot Toll Road Scam Messages

To better protect yourself, it’s important to recognize the characteristics of these scam messages. Below are some examples of smishing texts that CNET staff have received:

• Screenshot by Gael Cooper/CNET
• Screenshot by Courtney Johnston/CNET
• Screenshot by Faith Chihil/CNET
• Screenshot by Jeffrey Mizrahi/CNET
• Screenshot by Danni Santana/CNET

While the wording varies, these messages follow a consistent pattern: they claim you owe money, threaten penalties, and urge you to click a suspicious link. Remember, legitimate toll agencies will not demand payment through unsolicited texts or vague threats.

What to Do If You Fall for the Scam

If you’ve already clicked on the link or shared personal information, act quickly to minimize damage. Here are the steps to take:

1. Contact Your Card Issuer: If you provided credit card details, call your bank immediately. They can freeze your account, issue a new card, and monitor for unauthorized transactions.

2. Freeze Your Credit Reports: If you shared sensitive information like your Social Security number, freeze your credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.

3. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Check for any unusual activity or accounts. You can access free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.

4. Consider Identity Theft Protection: Enroll in a reputable identity theft protection service to monitor your financial accounts and personal information. Many services also offer insurance to cover potential losses.

Taking these steps can help mitigate the consequences of falling for a scam.

Reporting Toll Smishing Scams

If you receive a suspicious text about unpaid tolls, don’t just delete it—report it to the appropriate authorities. Here’s how you can help combat these scams:

1. Report to Your Carrier: Use your phone’s “report junk” feature or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your carrier identify and block similar scams in the future.

2. File a Complaint with the FBI: Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to report the scam. Provide details like the phone number that sent the text and any websites or links included.

3. Notify the FTC: The FTC also accepts reports of smishing scams. Your information will help the agency track and disrupt these fraudulent activities.

By reporting these scams, you contribute to efforts to stop fraudsters and protect others from falling victim to similar tactics.

In conclusion, while toll smishing scams are becoming more common, awareness and caution can go a long way in preventing them. Stay vigilant, avoid impulsive actions, and report suspicious messages to help create a safer digital environment for everyone.