MEDIUM RISK
Toll Road Text Scam
Fake text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and must pay immediately to avoid late fees or license suspension.
Losses: Part of $470 million in text scam losses (FTC 2024)
Targets: Drivers, anyone with a phone
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: SunPass Scam • E-ZPass Scam • FasTrak Scam • Toll Smishing
1How It Works
You receive a text message appearing to be from your state's toll authority (SunPass, E-ZPass, FasTrak, etc.):
"You have an unpaid toll of $6.99. Pay within 24 hours to avoid a $50 late fee. Click here: [fake link]"
**What happens when you click:**
- You're taken to a convincing fake website that looks like the real toll authority
- You're asked to enter payment information
- Scammers steal your credit card details
- Some sites also ask for driver's license numbers, SSN, or other personal info
**Why it's effective:**
- Small amounts seem believable
- Urgency creates panic
- Many people do use toll roads and worry about unpaid tolls
- The scam casts a wide net via bulk text messages
How Scammers Make Contact
Text messages (SMS)
2Warning Signs & Red Flags
- Unsolicited text about toll payment
- Link in the text doesn't match official toll website
- Urgency — "Pay in 24 hours or face fees"
- Threatens license suspension or legal action
- Asks for more info than needed (SSN, driver's license)
- Generic message not addressing you by name
- Phone number doesn't match official toll authority
3Real-World Example
"I got a text from what I thought was SunPass saying I owed $4.15 in tolls. The link looked real. I entered my credit card to pay. Two days later, there were $2,000 in charges on my card from overseas."
— Florida Attorney General consumer complaint
4How to Protect Yourself
- Never click links in unexpected texts about tolls
- Go directly to your toll authority's official website to check balances
- Know how your toll authority actually contacts you (usually mail)
- Look up the toll authority's real phone number and call them
- Report spam texts by forwarding to 7726 (SPAM)
- Don't respond to the text — even to say "STOP"
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1If you entered payment info, contact your bank immediately
- 2Request a new credit/debit card
- 3Monitor your credit for unauthorized activity
- 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 5Report the text to your carrier by forwarding to 7726
- 6If you gave your SSN, consider a credit freeze
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toll Road Text Scam?
Fake text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and must pay immediately to avoid late fees or license suspension. You receive a text message appearing to be from your state's toll authority (SunPass, E-ZPass, FasTrak, etc.):
"You have an unpaid toll of $6.99. Pay within 24 hours to avoid a $50 late fee. Click here: [fake link]"
**What happens when you click:**
- You're taken to a convincing fake website that ...
How common is this type of scam?
Toll Road Text Scam is classified as a medium risk threat. Reported losses: Part of $470 million in text scam losses (FTC 2024). This primarily targets Drivers, anyone with a phone.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
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