“That ‘Unpaid Toll’ text might cost you more than the toll itself – here’s how scammers are cashing in on your panic!”
A sudden text alert lands on your phone: “Final Notice: You have unpaid toll charges. Pay immediately to avoid penalties.” Panic sets in, and before you know it, you’re clicking the link—only to walk straight into a scammer’s trap. Welcome to the world of the E-ZPass scam—one of the fastest-growing digital frauds in the U.S.
What is the E-ZPass Scam?
The E-ZPass scam is a type of “smishing” attack where fraudsters send fake text messages, tricking people into believing they owe unpaid toll charges. These messages appear genuine, often mimicking real toll agency alerts, and contain a link leading to a fake payment portal.
Once you click and enter your personal or banking information, the scammers grab your data, empty your account, or install malware on your phone.
Why is the Scam Growing So Rapidly?
The scam is booming due to a perfect storm of factors:
1. The Shift to Digital Tolling
Many states are replacing traditional cash toll booths with digital systems. Scammers are exploiting this transition, knowing people are adjusting to electronic toll payments.
2. Increasing Trust in Mobile Payments
With everyone used to paying bills, shopping, and banking via phone, it’s easier for people to trust a random toll message.
3. Highly Sophisticated Scammer Tactics
Gone are the days of obvious scam messages. These texts now look official, using real agency names like E-ZPass, SunPass, or local transport authorities.
What is Smishing and How Does It Work?
“Smishing” blends SMS (texting) and phishing—a cybercrime tricking users into giving away personal information.
Here’s how it works:
You get a text claiming you owe a toll.
It includes a link to “settle” your payment.
The link leads to a fake site resembling an official toll website.
Once you enter your details—bam!—you’re a victim.
How Realistic Do These Scam Messages Look?
Scarily realistic! Scammers use every trick in the book to fool you:
Real Toll Agency Names: E-ZPass, SunPass, or state transportation names.
Official-Looking URLs: Slightly altered links that look government-authorized.
Urgent Language: Phrases like “Immediate action required” or “Final notice” create panic and urgency.
Spoofed Phone Numbers: Making it look like the message came from an official source.
How Big is the Problem?
The Alarming Numbers
According to the FBI, in 2024 alone, over 60,000 complaints were filed regarding toll-related scam texts. However, experts believe that the real number is much higher because:
Many victims don’t report small financial losses.
Some don’t even realize they’ve been scammed.
With cashless tolling systems rising, the problem is expected to grow.
Why Are People Falling for It?
Simple—because the message looks real, and nobody wants extra fines. Plus, most of us drive on toll roads or use services like E-ZPass, so getting such a message doesn’t feel out of place.
Add the psychological pressure of “Pay Now or Face Penalties” and it’s easy to see why thousands get trapped.
How to Identify a Toll Scam Text?
Before you panic, watch out for these signs:
Unexpected Message: Did you even drive on a toll road recently?
Suspicious Links: Hover over the link (if you can). Does the URL seem odd?
Grammar Mistakes: Many scam texts have typos or poor sentence structure.
Urgency Triggers: Words like “Final Notice” or “Immediate Payment” are red flags.
What to Do if You Receive a Toll Scam Text?
Step-by-Step Action Plan:
Don’t Click Anything: Avoid opening links or attachments.
Check Your Toll Account: Log in directly through the official website or app of your toll agency.
Report the Scam: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Block the Number: This prevents further contact from the scammer.
How to Protect Yourself from Toll Scams?
1. Enable Spam Filters
Most smartphones offer spam protection—use it! It helps filter suspicious texts before they reach your inbox.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra security layer on your financial accounts makes it harder for fraudsters to cause real damage.
3. Stay Informed
Talk to family and friends about these scams—especially elderly relatives who might not be tech-savvy.
4. Never Pay Tolls via Text
Legit toll agencies never ask for payments through text messages with clickable links.
What Should Toll Agencies Do?
While users must stay vigilant, authorities also need to:
Run awareness campaigns.
Use verified SMS channels.
Create easy-to-use official apps for checking unpaid tolls.
How Do Scammers Make Money from This?
It’s simple—once you give them your credit card details, they:
Drain your bank account
Sell your personal data on the dark web
Install malware on your device, stealing passwords and private information
Real-Life Example: Victim Story
John, a regular commuter in New Jersey, received a text claiming he owed $13.75 in unpaid tolls. Fearing additional fines, he clicked the link and paid. Within hours, his bank account was emptied of $2,000.
John reported it, but like many others, it was too late.
How to Verify If You Really Owe Tolls?
Visit your state’s official toll website directly.
Log in to your toll account to check outstanding balances.
Call their customer service if unsure—never trust random links or phone numbers from texts.
Conclusion:
The rise of digital tolling has opened new doors for scammers, making toll-related smishing scams one of the most dangerous frauds today. But here’s the good news—staying alert, avoiding random links, and double-checking through official sources can save you from becoming the next victim.
Remember, real toll agencies won’t threaten you through text messages.
Stay cautious. Stay safe.
FAQs:
1. What is the unpaid toll scam text?
It’s a fake message claiming you owe toll charges, designed to trick you into sharing your banking or personal information.
2. How can I protect myself from smishing scams?
Avoid clicking on unknown links, verify toll payments directly on official websites, and report suspicious texts.
3. Can these scam texts install malware?
Yes! Clicking the link can download malware or spyware onto your phone, compromising your data.
4. What should I do if I’ve already clicked the link?
Immediately disconnect from the internet, run a virus scan, change your passwords, and notify your bank or credit card company.
5. Will toll agencies ever text me about unpaid tolls?
Legitimate agencies rarely, if ever, send toll payment requests via text with payment links. Always verify with the agency directly.
