One scam that’s been going around a bit lately is the Unpaid Toll Scam. This scam is almost always sent through text message and alleges that you owe money for an unpaid toll.

Understandably, people don’t want to break the law. They certainly don’t want to be fined for failing to pay. And that is what these scammers are counting on. Their scam is relatively simple - get you to give them money for an unpaid toll that doesn’t exist. If you’re unlucky, they’ll also want your Drivers License number for future identity theft.

The text messages are usually in this format, with variations:

(State) toll services: We've noticed an outstanding balance of (some fairly low amount) on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, please visit (scam website) to settle your invoice.

or

(Local toll system): The amount due for using the (state) express lanes is (very low amount). We kindly request you settle this amount before (date) to avoid incurring additional late fees, please visit (scam website).

(Notice the “kindly” in this second one! While not always a red flag, in this case it is.)

For those not in the know, if you don’t pay a toll, they read your license plate, look up the address at your local DMV/equivalent, and mail you a bill - they do not send a text! If you see a text, it is 99.9% a scam.

How to protect yourself:
First of all, don’t click the link. While it’s likely harmless (these people want information, not infection), you still don’t want to let them know you’re vulnerable. Definitely don’t give them any information.

If you’re not sure you owe toll fees (for example, you recently passed through a toll road that the text mentions), find the actual legit site. If you’re not sure what the legit site is, find the local government website. For example, if the text mentioned SunPass and you traveled through Florida, you’d want to check the Florida Department of Transportation’s web site.