Toll Road Text Scam Alert: Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Messages

A new scam targeting toll road users across the U.S. is making the rounds, putting drivers at risk of financial fraud and identity theft. This deceptive scheme involves fake text messages claiming unpaid tolls and urging recipients to click on links to pay the false debts.

This is how the scam works: You’ll receive a text message that looks like it’s from a real toll agency—such as DriveEzMD (Maryland). Sunpass (Florida), EZDriveMA (Massachusetts) or others. The message will falsely claim you owe money from an electronic toll program, and you’ll need to pay quickly to avoid late fees.

The links in these texts lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Some scammers may even ask you to reply with “Y” which will reopen the text or the included web link into your phone’s browser. This is a trick to bypass the security measure built into your phone’s messaging application that automatically blocks you from opening links from unknown senders.

Look for the Signs

Watch out for these red flags that could indicate a toll scam.  

• Unsolicited texts about unpaid tolls
• Messages that create a sense of urgency
• Suspicious links
• Poor grammar or spelling errors

How to Protect Yourself

To safeguard against this scam, follow these guidelines:

• Never click on links in unsolicited text messages.
• If you’re unsure, always verify by visiting the official toll operator’s website or calling their customer service number.
• Delete suspicious messages immediately. Do not reply or text “STOP.”
• Report fraudulent texts to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

If you've inadvertently shared personal information, contact us immediately to secure your Tower accounts.

How Toll Agencies Contact You

It's important to remember that legitimate tolling authorities never request payments via text. If you’re ever concerned about your account, contact the toll agency directly.

By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our communities from these deceptive practices. Don't let scammers take advantage of you—stay alert, stay safe, and spread the word about this toll road scam.