Cash-free toll lanes have become prevalent across the United States. Sometimes it can be confusing for drivers to determine how to pay at tolls that use electronic or wireless payment systems. Additionally, if you are driving in an unfamiliar area, it can be easy to pass through a toll in the wrong lane without paying. Bad actors are taking advantage of this issue by sending fraudulent text messages designed to trick innocent people into paying fake outstanding, unpaid tolls. This is a 100% money theft scam that you must avoid.

The FCC is receiving consumer complaints about fraudsters sending impersonation (or smishing) text messages that appear to be from several legitimate toll payment companies like E-ZPass (in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast), FasTrak (in California), or I-PASS (in Illinois). The scam text messages state that the recipient has unpaid tolls or delinquent balances on their account. The text message also threaten the recipient with legal action and penalties if payment is not received. 

The fraudster may send the text message using phone number spoofing, so that the text message appears legitimate and sent by the a toll company. The scam text messages also include a link and instructs the recipient to click the link then make a payment. The link directs the recipient to a phishing website that is designed to fool people into keying in their credit card details. The website may look reputable and official, in some cases, the phishing website will use the same text, fonts, images and logos as the official website.

Other scam text messages direct recipients to a website that requests payment by non-standard means like by gift card or wire transfer, which is always a red flag that the website is an impersonation scam. 

Other tell-tale signs that a text message is a scam include:

• The sender’s number may be an international number.
• The text message may have an email address in the sender line instead of a phone number.
• The payment website link may not end with .com or .net, but instead may end with an uncommon domain extension or an international domain extension like .xin.
• The text message may lack personalization — missing the recipient’s name or account number.

The FCC states that toll operators typically do not use text messages to collect overdue fees, and do not use threatening language to rush customers into action. The FCC also provides this guidance should you receive these smishing text messages: 

• Do Not Engage with the Texter. Do not reply to the message, including pushing a button or responding “Y” or “N.”
• Do Not Click any links embedded in the text.
• Find Out if the Text Message Is Legitimate. Call a customer service number or log into your account to check for any valid violations or unpaid tolls. If your account is in order, report the scam text to your toll company.
  • If the text claims to be from a toll company operating in a different state, independently find a customer service phone number online and call before sending any money or providing personal information.
• Block the Number. Consider blocking the sender’s number to prevent future scam attempts.
• Report the Scam to Law Enforcement. If you suspect a text message is a scam, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
• Do Not Share Your Info. Never share personally identifiable information or financial information in response to unsolicited or suspicious messages.
• Don’t Be Bullied. Any request that you receive urging immediate action can lead to a rushed response that may be unwise.
• File a Complaint with the FCC. Your information helps to inform FCC enforcement and policy efforts, and helps us raise public awareness of these scams.

How to File a Consumer Complaint With the FCC

You can file complaints with the FCC about robocalls or robotexts. Information about the FCC’s informal complaint process, including how to file a complaint, and what happens after a complaint is filed, is available in the FCC Complaint Center FAQ.

More Information

For more information on how to avoid phone scams, visit fcc.gov/robocalls.