Beware: Rising Toll Scam Texts Target Drivers Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities are issuing urgent warnings about a surge in fraudulent text messages claiming recipients owe unpaid toll fees, a scam known as “smishing.” Victims are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams that threaten legal action and demand urgent payment.

The Federal Trade Commission reported a dramatic rise in such scams, aligning with an increase in cashless toll systems across the country. In February 2025 alone, Americans received an alarming 19.2 billion spam texts, a significant increase from the previous fall, highlighting the prevalence of fraudulent communications.

Experts from cybersecurity firms and consumer advocacy groups reveal that scammers impersonating toll agencies exploit public confusion and urgent messaging. Teresa Murray, director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, noted, “Scammers adapt their tactics to take advantage of events,” referring to the New York City congestion pricing that began on January 5, 2025. “Within days, drivers received scam texts about unpaid tolls.”

John Goodwin, assistant director of communications at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, stated, “We have been bedeviled by these scams for over a year now. The messaging has become more sophisticated and aggressive over time.” The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center recorded over 60,000 complaints regarding the unpaid toll scam in 2024, indicating a troubling trend.

Investigator J. Michael Skiba cautioned that reporting these scams is challenging, as many victims are embarrassed or feel their losses weren’t significant enough to report. “I personally think it is astronomical,” Skiba said, emphasizing the potential for unreported fraud.

Scammers often employ international phone numbers, making tracing difficult. The challenges law enforcement faces include the employment of disposable phones, fake identities, and non-traceable payments, allowing perpetrators to remain anonymous. As a result, the scams have infiltrated the systems of toll agencies in at least ten states, according to reports from the Federal Trade Commission.

Officials urge individuals to verify texts before taking action. People should avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and contact toll agencies directly through official channels. “Good To Go! won’t send you a text message for unpaid tolls,” Lauren McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Washington State Department of Transportation, said. “If you have a phone number, you’re subject to getting one of these texts.”

Common indicators of scam texts include poor grammar, urgent language, and links to misspelled URLs. Cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks reported that scammers have registered over 10,000 domains to further their schemes, demonstrating the scale of the issue.

In Vermont, where no tolls exist, Attorney General Charity Clark remarked on the challenge, stating, “Travelers may mistake these scams for actual toll operators in other states.”

The FBI has not issued an updated guidance on the toll smishing scam since issuing its alert last spring, emphasizing the complexity of these scams and the importance of reporting fraudulent texts. Victims are advised to delete any suspicious messages and report them to the authorities.