Mon Feb 24 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Nationwide Toll Scam Targets Phone Users with Fake Unpaid Toll Texts
**Washington, D.C.** – A wave of text message scams targeting drivers across the United States is demanding payment for allegedly unpaid tolls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI have issued warnings about the fraudulent messages, which impersonate legitimate toll services like FastTrak and EZ Pass.
These “smishing” scams (SMS phishing) use convincing text messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. Messages often include deadlines, threats of legal action, and links to fake websites mimicking official toll agency sites. The texts may vary in specificity, but generally claim unpaid tolls are owed, regardless of whether the recipient has actually used a toll road recently.
USA TODAY staff across several states have confirmed receiving these messages in recent weeks, further highlighting the widespread nature of the scam. Last April, the FBI reported over 2,000 related complaints.
Authorities warn that clicking the provided links could expose individuals to malware or lead to identity theft. Red flags include messages referencing toll services in states the recipient hasn’t visited, spelling errors, and links that don’t match legitimate agency websites. Consumers should be wary of texts demanding immediate payment, particularly those instructing users to copy and paste links or reply to activate them.
To verify unpaid tolls, contact your state’s toll agency directly using official contact information found on their official website, **not** through a link received in a text message. Never click links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited text messages about unpaid tolls.
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