Scammers have found a lucrative new angle: exploiting the anxiety drivers feel about unpaid tolls. If you've received a text claiming you owe money to E-ZPass, SunPass, or another toll authority, you're not alone. These toll road scam texts have exploded across the United States, targeting millions of drivers with increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts that can drain bank accounts and steal identities in minutes.

The scheme is devastatingly simple yet effective. You receive an urgent text about an unpaid toll, complete with threats of escalating fees or legal action. The message includes a link to "resolve" the issue immediately. One click later, you're on a fake website that looks remarkably similar to your state's legitimate toll authority portal, entering your credit card details directly into a scammer's hands.

What makes these scams particularly insidious is how scammers obtain your phone number and personal details in the first place—often from data brokers who compile and sell your information to anyone willing to pay. Understanding how this scam works and how to protect yourself isn't just about avoiding one fraudulent text; it's about taking control of your digital footprint before criminals exploit it.

What Is the Toll Road Scam and How Does It Work?

The toll road text scam is a smishing attack (SMS phishing) where criminals impersonate legitimate toll collection agencies to steal your financial information and personal data. Unlike traditional phishing emails, these texts exploit the immediacy and trust people place in SMS communications—most people assume texts are more legitimate than emails.

Here's the typical attack sequence:

Step 1: The Initial Contact

You receive a text message claiming to be from E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, TxTag, or another toll authority. The message states you have an unpaid toll balance, usually a small amount between $1.50 and $12.50. This deliberate pricing psychology makes the "debt" feel legitimate—not too small to ignore, not too large to seem suspicious.

Step 2: The Urgency Factor

The text creates artificial urgency by threatening consequences: late fees accumulating daily, vehicle registration holds, collections agency involvement, or even legal action. Some versions include deadlines like "Pay within 48 hours to avoid a $50 penalty."

Step 3: The Malicious Link

Every scam text includes a shortened URL or a domain designed to mimic the official toll authority website. These links might use variations like "ezpass-pay.com" or "sunpass-update.net"—close enough to fool someone quickly scanning on their phone.

Step 4: The Fake Payment Portal

Clicking the link takes you to a convincing replica of the official website, complete with stolen logos, color schemes, and even security badge graphics. The site prompts you to enter:

Credit or debit card information
Full name and billing address
Driver's license number
Vehicle information
Sometimes even Social Security numbers

Step 5: The Theft

Once you submit your information, several things can happen simultaneously:

Your payment details are captured for immediate fraudulent charges
Your identity information is harvested for future scams or sold on dark web marketplaces
Malware may be installed on your device if you downloaded anything
You may be redirected to the real toll authority website to cover the scam's tracks

The FTC reported that consumers lost over $330 million to text message scams in 2022, with imposter scams representing the largest category of fraud losses. Toll road scams have become one of the fastest-growing variants of this threat.

Why This Scam Is So Effective

Scammers have refined this approach because it exploits several psychological vulnerabilities:

Universal Target Audience: Unlike scams targeting specific banks or services, toll roads are used by millions. Even if you don't have an E-ZPass account, you might have driven through a toll recently and wonder if you missed a payment.

Small Dollar Amounts: The modest "debt" amounts seem reasonable and not worth verifying through official channels. It's easier to just pay $3.75 than spend 20 minutes calling customer service.

Legal Consequences Fear: The threat of escalating fees, registration holds, or collections creates panic that short-circuits critical thinking.

Mobile Vulnerability: People are more likely to click links on mobile devices where it's harder to inspect URLs and where security awareness is generally lower than on desktop computers.

Real Examples of Toll Road Scam Texts

Understanding what these scams actually look like helps you recognize them instantly. Here are documented examples from actual victims and law enforcement warnings:

Example 1: The E-ZPass NY Scam

"E-ZPass: We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your account. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, please settle your balance at: [malicious-link]. Reference: #NY47829"

This version targets the New York/New Jersey E-ZPass system, the largest toll collection agency in the United States with over 16 million users. The scammers use official-sounding reference numbers to add legitimacy.

Example 2: The Florida SunPass Variant

"SunPass Alert: You have an unpaid toll invoice of $4.85. Your vehicle may be flagged for registration hold. Pay now to avoid penalties: [fake-url]"

Florida's SunPass serves over 3 million customers, making it a prime target. This version adds the specific threat of a "registration hold"—something that sounds official and alarming to most drivers.

Example 3: The California FasTrak Scam

"FasTrak Notification: Toll invoice #CF-89234 for $6.74 is past due. Failure to pay within 48 hours will result in a $25 penalty and possible DMV action. Resolve here: [phishing-link]"

California's FasTrak system covers multiple toll roads and bridges across the state. This version includes a specific invoice number and deadline to create urgency.

Example 4: The Generic Toll Authority Message

"TOLL SERVICES: Our records indicate you have an unpaid balance of $8.50. Please update your payment method immediately to avoid service interruption: [scam-url]"

This generic version doesn't specify a particular toll system, casting a wider net to catch anyone who's used any toll road recently.

What Authorities Are Saying

Multiple state toll authorities have issued public warnings about these scams:

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission explicitly stated: "The PA Turnpike does NOT send text messages to customers regarding toll violations or unpaid balances. Any such text is a scam."

E-ZPass New York posted warnings on their official website: "E-ZPass will never send unsolicited text messages asking customers to update payment information or pay outstanding tolls via text message."

The Illinois Tollway similarly warned: "We do not send unsolicited text messages requesting payment or personal information."

These consistent warnings across state lines reveal how widespread this scam has become.

Red Flags: How to Spot Toll Road Scam Texts Instantly

Recognizing a fake toll text becomes second nature once you know what to look for. Here are the definitive red flags that indicate you're being targeted:

1. Unsolicited Text Messages

Legitimate toll authorities do not send unsolicited text messages about unpaid tolls. They communicate through:

Postal mail to your registered address
Email to addresses you've registered in your account
Notifications within their official mobile app
Your online account dashboard

If you receive a text about tolls without having specifically opted into SMS notifications through your verified account, it's a scam.

2. Suspicious URLs and Shortened Links

Examine the link carefully before clicking. Scam indicators include:

Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl.com, etc.) that hide the real destination
Misspelled domains like "ezpas.com" or "sunpas.com" (missing letters)
Added words or hyphens like "ezpass-pay.com" or "official-sunpass.com"
Unusual domain extensions like .net, .co, .info instead of the official .gov or .com
Random characters in the URL like "ezpass-7x9k.com"

The official E-ZPass website is ezpassny.com (for New York), ezpassmd.com (for Maryland), etc.—each state has its specific official domain. SunPass Florida's official site is sunpass.com. Any variation is fraudulent.

3. Generic Greetings and Impersonal Language

Legitimate toll authorities address you by name if they contact you, because they have your account information. Scam texts use generic greetings:

"Dear Customer"
"Valued Driver"
"E-ZPass User"
No greeting at all

If you have an actual account with a toll service, they know your name and would use it.

4. Pressure Tactics and Artificial Urgency

Scammers create panic to prevent rational thinking. Watch for:

Threats of immediate legal action
Claims of escalating fees that seem disproportionate
Very short deadlines (24-48 hours)
Warnings about vehicle registration holds or license suspension
"Final notice" language when you've received no previous notices

Legitimate toll authorities follow established procedures with multiple notices over weeks or months, not hours.

5. Requests for Unusual Information

Real toll payment systems never ask for:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers (they already have this if you're registered)
Bank account login credentials
PIN numbers or passwords
Payment for tolls you definitely didn't incur

If a payment portal asks for more information than a standard credit card transaction requires, it's harvesting your identity.

6. Poor Grammar and Spelling

While scammers have improved their English, many messages still contain:

Awkward phrasing
Inconsistent capitalization
Punctuation errors
Unusual word choices that suggest machine translation

Professional organizations like toll authorities employ communications staff who produce error-free messages.

7. No Account Verification Option

Legitimate communications always provide a way to verify the claim through official channels without clicking the provided link. Scam texts want you to click their link immediately—they don't mention calling customer service or logging into your existing account through the official website or app.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted by a Toll Road Scam

Receiving a scam text doesn't mean you've been compromised—but your response determines whether you become a victim. Here's exactly what to do:

If You Haven't Clicked or Responded

1. Delete the message immediately. Don't forward it to friends (this can spread the malicious link), and don't keep it "just in case."

2. Block the sender's number. On iPhone: tap the number at the top, scroll down, and select "Block this Caller." On Android: long-press the message, tap the three dots, and select "Block number."

3. Report the scam (see the next section for detailed reporting instructions).

4. Verify your actual toll account status by:

Opening your toll authority's official app (if you have one)
Typing the official website URL directly into your browser (never clicking links)
Calling the customer service number printed on your toll transponder or from your account statements

If You Clicked the Link But Didn't Enter Information

1. Close the browser immediately. Don't interact with the fake website in any way.

2. Run a security scan on your device:

iPhone/iPad: Update to the latest iOS version, which includes security patches
Android: Use Google Play Protect (Settings > Security > Google Play Protect > Scan)
Consider installing reputable mobile security software like Norton Mobile Security or Lookout

3. Clear your browser cache and cookies:

iPhone Safari: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
Android Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data

4. Monitor your device for unusual behavior over the next few days: unexpected battery drain, data usage spikes, or new apps you didn't install.

If You Entered Personal or Financial Information

This is a serious situation requiring immediate action:

1. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Call the number on the back of your card (not any number the scammers might have provided). Explain that you've been phished and request:

Immediate card cancellation and replacement
A fraud alert on your account
Review of recent transactions for unauthorized charges
Reversal of any fraudulent charges

2. Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus. Contact one of the three major bureaus (the one you contact is required to notify the others):

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com/fraud
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or transunion.com/fraud-alerts

A fraud alert is free and requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

3. Consider a credit freeze. This is stronger than a fraud alert and prevents anyone (including you) from opening new credit accounts until you lift the freeze. You must contact all three bureaus individually:

Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
Experian: experian.com/freeze/center.html
TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze

4. File an identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record and provides a recovery plan customized to your situation.

5. Change passwords for your financial accounts, email, and any other sensitive accounts—especially if you reuse passwords across sites.

6. Monitor your credit reports for the next 12 months. You're entitled to free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com (the only official free source).

7. Watch for tax fraud. If scammers obtained your Social Security number, they might file a fraudulent tax return in your name. File your legitimate return as early as possible, and consider getting an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS at irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin.

How to Report Toll Road Scam Texts

Reporting these scams helps authorities track patterns, shut down malicious websites, and potentially catch the perpetrators. Your report also protects others from falling victim.

Report to Your Mobile Carrier

All major U.S. carriers have SMS spam reporting systems:

Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) on any carrier—AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint. This universal short code allows carriers to investigate and block the source. After forwarding, you'll typically receive an automated reply asking you to respond with the sender's phone number.

Report to the Federal Trade Commission

The FTC tracks scam trends and uses reports to build cases against fraud operations:

1. Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov and select "Phone Calls and Text Messages" as the category.

2. Choose "Imposter Scam" as the type, then specify government impersonation.

3. Provide details including:

The exact text message content
The sender's phone number
The malicious URL
Any financial losses
Which toll authority was impersonated

Report to the Impersonated Toll Authority

Most toll agencies have dedicated fraud reporting channels:

E-ZPass (varies by state):

New York: customerservice@ezpassny.com
New Jersey: www.ezpassnj.com (Contact Us form)
Pennsylvania: www.paturnpike.com/contact/ContactUs.aspx

SunPass (Florida):

Report via the SunPass mobile app or call 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352)

FasTrak (California):

Email: customerservice@bayareafastrak.org
Phone: 1-877-229-8655

TxTag (Texas):

www.txtag.org (Contact Us section)
Phone: 1-888-468-9824

Check your specific toll authority's official website for their fraud reporting process.

Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

For more serious cases involving significant financial loss:

Visit ic3.gov and file a complaint. The IC3 is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center that investigates internet-facilitated criminal activity.

Report to Your State Attorney General

State AGs often have consumer protection divisions that investigate fraud:

Find your state AG's office at naag.org/find-my-ag and look for their consumer protection or fraud reporting section.

How to Protect Yourself From Future Toll Road Scams

Prevention is more effective than remediation. Here's how to significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to toll scams and similar phishing attacks:

1. Register for Official Account Notifications

If you regularly use toll roads, create an official account with your toll authority and configure your communication preferences:

Enable low balance alerts through the official app or website
Set up email notifications to your verified email address
Opt into legitimate SMS alerts only through your verified account dashboard (this way you'll know real messages from fake ones)
Enable two-factor authentication if your toll service offers it

When you control how and when the toll

Toll Road Text Scam: How to Spot Fake E-ZPass and SunPass Texts