Rise of Smishing Scams Targets Unwary Toll Road Users

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A surge in fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid toll fees has caught the attention of authorities and consumers nationwide as scammers adapt to growing digital payment trends. These scams, known as ‘smishing,’ have been escalating with alarming frequency, posing risks to millions of Americans.

In February, Americans received approximately 19.2 billion spam texts, demonstrating a 22% increase in smishing cases, particularly relating to toll payments, according to Truecaller, a spam-blocking firm. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over 60,000 complaints in 2024 alone about such toll scams.

“Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam,” U.S. Public Interest Research Group’s Teresa Murray warned, highlighting the rapid adaptation of scammers who mimic legitimate entities.

With New York City’s congestion pricing implementation on January 5, many drivers received texts threatening them with fines for unpaid tolls. “This tactic is particularly effective during times of travel confusion, such as spring break or summer vacations,” Murray said.

Consumers have reported messages demanding immediate payment, with some claiming they owe money to toll agencies they’ve never used. Scammers use various tactics, including links designed to capture sensitive banking information, which can lead to financial theft.

Experts stress the importance of caution when dealing with suspicious messages. “Never click on links within unsolicited texts,” advised Robokiller, a fraud prevention service. “URLs in spam texts can contain malware.”

To avoid becoming a victim, consumers are urged to register their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry and scrutinize messages for inconsistencies. Murray emphasized that victims should independently verify claims by contacting agencies directly rather than using provided links.

Consumer reactions have been swift, with many sharing their experiences on social media. An Ohio couple recounted a terrifying incident where they mistakenly paid a phony toll charge, leading to unauthorized transactions in their bank account.

The Federal Trade Commission has compiled guidelines to help consumers recognize and avoid smishing scams, including not responding to unexpected messages and reporting suspicious texts to the appropriate authorities.

Despite warnings, the evolving nature of these scams continues to challenge enforcement efforts. J. Michael Skiba, a cybercrime investigator, noted the difficulty in tracing these international criminals, who often exploit victims’ fears of hefty penalties.

“I believe the true cost of such scams is astronomical,” Skiba remarked, emphasizing the extensive reach of these fraudsters. Reports indicate that younger adults, particularly those between 18 and 44, are increasingly falling victim to these scams.

As authorities work to combat smishing and educate the public, it’s crucial for individuals to remain vigilant. Knowing how to spot a scam can save consumers from losing money and personal information.