Scam Watch
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Fake unpaid toll or ticket text
Likely scam
Yes, almost always. Toll agencies, DMVs and courts do not text you to pay. Do not click; check your toll account on the official website you type yourself.
What the sources say
The text scam poses as a tolling agency and states that the recipient has an unpaid toll balance. The message threatens late fees or enforcement action if the balance is not paid immediately and includes a fraudulent link directing recipients to submit payment.
“Toll enforcement agencies will never contact you via text to demand payment for an unpaid toll.
The current scam makes the text look like a DMV notice that claims that the recipient has unpaid toll fees and threatens charges or penalties if they are not paid immediately through a provided link.
Michiganders are being targeted by several fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls or tickets. These scams are meant to steal personal and financial information. They create a false sense of urgency and impersonate government agencies and private companies.
CFX or E-PASS will not text you about an outstanding toll balance.
Many people reported texts about so-called suspicious activity or a big purchase they didn’t make. These texts often look like they’re from a bank or Amazon.
The fake E-ZPass Maryland site features a highway scene from Orlando, misspells ‘toll’ as ‘tol’, and tells users it cannot provide detailed information unless they pay—something no legitimate tolling agency would ever say.
But the texts are scams that aim to steal your personal and financial information. They should be ignored and deleted.
This type of text message is a scam called smishing.
Scammers are now including fake DMV penalties in scam texts, claiming recipients will face suspension of vehicle registration, driving privileges, or even prosecution if payment is not made immediately.