Residents Warned of Toll Payment Scam Texts Across the U.S.

RICHMOND, Va. — Residents in the D.C. area and across multiple states have been warned about a surge of fraudulent texts claiming unpaid toll charges. The messages, which appear to come from legitimate toll agencies such as E-Z Pass and Peach Pass, threaten penalties for non-payment, causing panic among recipients.

Officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and various state departments of motor vehicles, including Virginia and Maryland, have issued alerts advising the public to be cautious and to verify any such communications. The texts typically state, “Final Reminder: You owe an outstanding toll. Pay by March 31 to avoid additional fees or legal action,” prompting recipients to click on malicious links to settle debts.

“Phishing scams are designed to create a sense of urgency,” said Amy Anthony, director of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. “I urge everyone to think before clicking on links, especially those requesting money or personal information.”

The scam has reached areas as far as New Jersey, Georgia, and California, using authentic-looking language and official branding to disguise itself. Ericka Bayonne, spokesperson for the State Road and Tollway Authority in Georgia, emphasized that Peach Pass will never send payment requests via text. “This is not the State Road and Tollway Authority,” she reiterated.

Rajiv Garg, an associate professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, cautioned that responding to such texts can lead to further targeting. “They want to know who you are,” he explained. “Responding could leave you more vulnerable.”

In light of these growing scams, officials recommend that anyone receiving such messages refrain from clicking links or replying. Instead, they suggest using built-in features on mobile devices to report the texts as junk and to share the sender’s number with authorities for investigation.

Virginia DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey added that the agency would never contact patrons through text about toll charges. He urged drivers to verify any outstanding balances through official channels.

The scams often use small amounts to entice victims, creating a perception that the debt is minor and thus easier to overlook. However, law enforcement stresses that anyone who feels they have fallen victim to this scam should immediately contact their bank or credit card company to monitor or freeze accounts.

As vigilant measures are put in place, state authorities continue their investigations into the origin of these scams, seeking to protect unsuspecting drivers from identity theft.