Text scam
That 'Unpaid Toll' Text Is a Trap. Here's Exactly How It Works
The FBI has received tens of thousands of complaints about fake toll texts. Tap the warning signs in the message below to see how to spot one.
"You have an outstanding toll balance. Pay today to avoid a late fee." If a text like that has landed on your phone, you're far from alone. Since early 2024, scammers posing as state toll agencies have sent these messages to drivers from coast to coast.
The FBI says the first reports came in March 2024 and issued a public warning in April that year. The FTC followed with its own warning in January 2025. The FBI told Nexstar it received more than 60,000 complaints in 2024 alone about suspicious unpaid-toll messages.
Why the amount is so small
A few dollars feels harmless, and that's the point. The goal isn't the toll — it's what you type into the fake payment page. The FTC warns that besides stealing money, scammers can grab personal details such as your driver's license number and use them to steal your identity.
The copycat websites
The links lead to pages designed to look like the real collection service in your state, sometimes using its name. On a small phone screen, the difference can be nearly impossible to see.
What the FBI says to do
- Don't click. Check your balance by going directly to your toll service's official website, or call its customer service number.
- File a complaint at ic3.gov and include the phone number that texted you and the website in the message.
- Delete the text.
- Already clicked or paid? Secure your accounts, change passwords, and dispute any unfamiliar charges with your bank right away.