E-ZPass Toll Fee Text Message Scam — Why That Unpaid Toll Text Is Fake
You received a text message claiming you have an unpaid toll from E-ZPass, SunPass, or a state tollway. It threatens late fees and includes a link to pay immediately. State toll authorities do not text you payment links. This is the most reported text scam in the US right now.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — The Most Reported Text Scam in the US
This is currently the most reported text scam in the United States. State toll authorities do not send payment demands by text message with clickable links.
Note: This scam typically arrives via text message, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For text scams, report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
You receive a text message claiming you have an unpaid toll from E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, or a state toll authority. The message threatens late fees or license suspension if you do not pay immediately through a link. The link leads to a fake payment portal that steals your credit card number and personal information.
The FBI issued a public service announcement in April 2024 warning that the IC3 had received over 2,000 complaints about smishing texts impersonating toll services across at least three states. The FTC also reported a significant surge in toll fee text scams beginning in early 2024.
Red Flags
- Text comes from an unknown or short-code number
- Claims you owe an unpaid toll with a specific small dollar amount
- Includes a link to pay — real toll agencies send bills by mail
- Threatens late fees, fines, or license suspension
- You may not even have an E-ZPass or toll account
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not tap the link in the text
- Delete the text message
- If you have a toll account, log in directly through the official website or app
- Check your toll account balance through official channels only
- Report the text by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM)
Sources
- FBI IC3 Public Service Announcement (April 2024) — Smishing Scam Regarding Debt for Road Toll Services
- FTC Consumer Advice — That text about overdue toll charges is probably a scam