Mar 19, 2025
Across the U.S., drivers are receiving alarming text messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls — whether they've driven on a toll road or not. The message often includes a link to "settle the balance" and warns that failure to pay could result in fines, late fees or even the suspension of their driver's license.
It sounds scary — and the threats of fines or losing driving privileges can make some consumers jump to fix the problem. But many of these texts are outright scams designed to steal personal and financial information.
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“There’s a sense of urgency that you have to act now, or all these bad things are going to happen to you,” Danni Santana, a cybersecurity editor at CNET, told AZ Family reporters.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these scams are on the rise, and they often take advantage of seasonal travel trends, like spring break.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid falling victim to the scheme.
How to spot unpaid toll scams
One major red flag? If you live in a state like Arizona, where there are no toll roads at all — you can't have unpaid tolls in the state.
Yet scammers are banking on the fact that many drivers take road trips to areas that do have tolls — and they might not be familiar with how payments are made. Other warning signs include:
- Tolls from states you haven't visited: Scammers often send out thousands of texts and may claim you owe tolls in states you've never even visited.
- Threatening messages: Scammers often claim that ignoring the text will result in fines, late fees or even the suspension of your license. This is a classic tactic designed to create urgency.
- Requests for sensitive information: A legitimate toll agency will not ask for information like your Social Security number, bank login or driver's license number through text.
- Odd sender: The text may come from an email address, short phone number or one you don't recognize and can't find online.
- Suspicious links: Many texts will include a link where you can make a payment. This link will likely send you to a fake website that will look like a real toll agency.
"The link is dangerous. It can download malware to your phone. It can take you to a phony site where you put in your personal information, like your name, your credit card information," Santana warned.
The FTC warns consumers to never click on links or respond to unexpected texts. In most cases, texts about unpaid tolls are a scam.
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How to protect yourself from text scams
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to trick you into acting without thinking things through — don't fall for it. If you receive one of these texts, don’t click the link or respond. Instead, follow these steps to protect yourself.
Verify the toll notice
If you receive a toll violation notice, contact the tolling agency directly using a trusted phone number or website — not the one provided in the message. Many states have official online portals for toll payments, often ending in “.gov” or another trusted top-level domain. Always search for the website manually instead of clicking on a link from a text message.
Monitor your accounts
Toll scams are designed to steal your financial information. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. Setting up text alerts can help you catch fraudulent transactions quickly. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately.
Report suspicious messages
If you receive a toll violation message, report it as junk to your phone carrier or forward it to 7726 (SPAM). Then, delete the message. Do not click on links or reply to the message.
Scammers often adjust their tactics to seasonal trends, targeting travelers when they’re most likely driving for spring vacations. Whether it’s fake Amazon order alerts during the holidays or toll scams in peak travel seasons, knowing what to watch for can keep your financial information safe.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
