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3 Ways to Avoid Toll Scams
Here’s how to recognize the red flags when traveling through tolls.
How It Works
Scammers will simply impersonate legit transportation agencies to create a false sense of urgency. These messages generally contain:
A malicious link that leads to a fraudulent website that directs to pay for past-due tolls. This attack is designed to steal your credit or banking information, driver’s license number, and other sensitive information.
The scammer also wants you to act on impulse. These messages may threaten legal action, late fees, and even arrest if you do not pay the toll balance.
The last and most obvious is how much you owe. It is often a smaller amount to make the message seem more credible, as if you do owe a toll balance.
How to Avoid It
Your first line of defense against scams is understanding communication patterns. Scammers often use texts or emails that legitimate toll agencies would never use for billing. Ask: Does this message follow official channels? Official notices for any unpaid tolls are typically sent by physical mail, and not by phone call or text. You can also look for the following indicators:
1. Look for Unusual Payment Requests
Real toll agencies will never ask you to pay with cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. If the payment method feels odd, it’s a red flag.
2. Watch for Generic Greetings
Scammers often open with vague lines like “Dear Customer” instead of using your name. Because these messages are sent in bulk, impersonal language is a strong indicator that it’s not from a legitimate toll agency.
3. Beware of Urgent or Threatening Language
Messages that demand immediate action, warn of severe penalties, or claim you’ll face consequences if you don’t pay today are typically scams. Legitimate toll agencies communicate clearly, provide time to respond, and won’t pressure you with extreme threats.
How to Report This Scam
If you receive this scam, you should file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Then, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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