The unpaid-toll text

Scammers send text messages pretending you owe money for unpaid tolls, trying to trick you into clicking a link or calling a number so they can steal your personal information.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

You receive an urgent text claiming you have an unpaid toll balance and must act immediately. The message includes a link or phone number and creates pressure by suggesting your account will be suspended, your vehicle will be flagged, or you'll face fines if you don't respond right away.

What it can look like

You get a text saying something like 'Alert: Your vehicle has an unpaid toll of $47. Click here to pay or your license will be flagged.' When you click the link or call the number, you're directed to a fake website or person who asks for your driver's license number, payment card details, or banking information.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You get a text message saying you have an unpaid toll and must pay immediately or face fines. The message looks official and includes a link.

You feel a rush of worry—maybe you did miss a toll, or your memory is fuzzy. The message creates urgency: 'Act now' or 'Within 24 hours.' You may be embarrassed and want to fix it quietly.

You click the link. It takes you to a page that looks like a real toll authority website. You're asked to enter your name, driver's license number, credit card, or other personal details to 'verify' your account and pay.

This is the moment to stop. Real toll agencies do not ask for full payment or personal information via unsolicited text links. If you've entered information or paid, do not enter more details, and do not click further links from the sender.

Red flags

Text arrives unexpectedly, often from an unfamiliar number or short code
Message creates artificial urgency ('Act now' or 'Your account will be suspended')
You're asked to click a link, call a number, or provide personal details via text
The message doesn't match any toll road or agency you actually use
Grammar or formatting looks odd, or the sender's name seems generic

What to do

Do not click any links or call any number in the message. If you think you may owe a toll, contact the toll agency directly using a phone number or website you find independently.
Delete the message and do not reply or provide any information.
Report the scam text to reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track the pattern and protect others.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Do not reply to the text or click any more links from that sender. Stop all contact immediately.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer right away if you entered card details or made a payment. Report the charge as fraudulent and ask them to cancel or replace your card.
Change the passwords on any accounts you use (email, banking, utilities) if you shared a password or username. Use a strong, unique password for each account.
Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the text message content, the link you clicked, and any details you shared. Keep screenshots and records of all messages.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

Check a message you received →← All scams