Unpaid Toll Text Scam (E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak): Is It Real and What to Do

Short answer: a text saying you owe an unpaid toll and must pay today through a link, to avoid a "late fee" or losing your licence, is almost always a scam. The FBI and the FTC have both warned about it. Don't click or reply. If you are worried you really owe a toll, check by typing your toll agency's official website yourself or calling the number on the back of your toll account statement.

How the toll text scam works

The message names a real toll service, such as E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, TxTag or "Tolls by Mail", and says you have an outstanding balance, often a small amount like $4 to $12. A link leads to a convincing fake payment page. The goal is your card number, expiry date and security code, and sometimes your driver's licence number. Scammers then use the card, or sell it.

Some versions ask you to reply "Y" first. That turns the link on in your phone and confirms your number is active, so you get more scam texts.

Signs the toll text is fake

• It demands payment the same day and threatens fines, licence suspension or legal action.
• The link is not the toll agency's real website (look for odd endings like .xyz, .top or extra words in the address).
• It comes from a normal phone number, an email address or an international number.
• You don't have a toll account in that state, or you haven't driven on a toll road recently.
• Toll agencies such as New York's E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail have said they never ask for personal or financial information by text.

What to do if you get the text

1. Don't tap the link or reply, not even "STOP".
2. Check your real account by typing your toll agency's website into your browser, or using its official app.
3. Report it: forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block it, and report it to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
4. Delete the message.

Already paid or entered your card?

1. Call your bank or card issuer on the number on your card. Tell them you entered your details on a scam site, cancel the card and ask about disputing any charges.
2. Watch your statements for small "test" charges, which often come before bigger ones.
3. If you gave your driver's licence or Social Security number, consider a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's free.
4. Be ready for follow-up calls from fake "bank fraud teams". Hang up and call your bank yourself.

Lost money? Read how to get money back after a scam and how to get a chargeback. Got a parcel text instead? See delivery scam texts from USPS, Evri and Royal Mail.