Got a call or text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam.

April 16, 2025

By Cindy Schubert
Senior Vice President - Operations

Have you received an unexpected text message or phone call claiming you have "unpaid tolls" and need to pay them right away? It's almost certainly a scam.

The FTC is warning people that across the country, fraudsters are pretending to be tolling agencies and sending messages and phone calls that claim people have unpaid road, bridge or traffic tolls from places they might have driven recently. Learn how unpaid toll scams like this work, so you can avoid them.

How an Unpaid Toll Scam Works

If you get a text message out of nowhere saying you owe money for tolls and need to pay right now, this is a big warning sign! These texts might show a fake amount you owe and have a link. But no matter how real it looks, don't click! It will take you to a fake website asking for your bank, credit card or other personal information. And once a scammer has that info, your money is as good as gone. 

The same goes for a phone call from someone saying they're the tolling agency. These fake calls might sound official, but the entire scam is centered around convincing you to give your bank or credit card information over the phone or sending you to a fake website.

Here's the truth -- if you really owe tolls, you'll usually get a bill in the mail. 

How to Avoid an Unpaid Toll Scam

The FTC gives some good advice on how to avoid unpaid toll scams: 

• Don’t click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
• Don't give out personal information on an unexpected call. Don't be afraid of being rude. Tell the person that you will contact the tolling agency yourself. 
• Check to see if the text or call is legit. Reach out to the state’s tolling agency using a phone number or website you find yourself and that you know is real — not the info from the text or call.
• Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.

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