Scam texts
Got a text about an unpaid toll? It's probably a scam
The short answer
A surprise text saying you owe a toll, with a link to pay, is almost always a scam. The FTC says not to click, and to check with your state’s toll agency using a phone number or website you know is real (FTC).
Then report the text as junk, forward it to 7726 (SPAM), and delete it (FTC).
What the text looks like
The message usually claims to be from a toll service such as E-ZPass, FasTrak, or I-PASS and says you have an unpaid balance (FCC). The FBI shared an example that claimed the person owed $12.51 and would be charged a $50 late fee, with a link that looked like the state’s toll service (FBI IC3).
The FCC says toll operators typically don’t text to collect payment, and that scam texts often use a generic greeting instead of your name (FCC).
Why it works
The amount is small and the deadline is close, so paying feels easier than checking. The goal is to get your card number and personal details through a fake payment page (FTC).
How to check if you really owe a toll
- Don’t tap the link and don’t reply.
- Go to your toll account yourself. Use the toll agency’s official app, a bookmark, or the web address printed on a past bill or on your transponder paperwork.
- Or call the agency at a number you looked up on its official website (FTC).
Report and delete
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and use your phone’s ‘report junk’ option (FTC).
- File a report with the FBI at IC3.gov. The FBI and FCC both ask people to report these texts there (FBI IC3, FCC).
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you clicked or paid
- Entered a card number: call your card company using the number on the back of the card and ask about disputing the charge.
- Entered personal information: the FBI suggests watching your accounts and disputing unfamiliar charges (FBI IC3). If you shared your Social Security number, see what to do after a data breach.
Similar texts pretend to be from the post office. See fake USPS delivery texts, or our general guide, is this a scam?.
Common questions
Do toll companies send texts about unpaid tolls?
The FCC says toll operators typically don’t text to collect payment (FCC). Even if yours does send alerts, check your balance by going to its official site or app yourself, not through a link in a text (FTC).
I got a toll text but I’ve never driven in that state. Why?
That’s a strong sign the text is fake. If you want to be sure, check with the toll agency for the places you actually drive, using its official website or app (FTC).
Is the E-ZPass text real?
Assume not. The FCC lists E-ZPass among the names scammers use (FCC). Log in to your account directly to check.
What do I do with the text?
Forward it to 7726, report it as junk, and delete it (FTC). You can also report it at IC3.gov.
I paid the fake toll. What now?
Call your card company right away using the number on your card. Then watch your statements for charges you don’t recognize (FBI IC3).
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If money already left your account, call your bank or card company first.