Unpaid Toll Scam Texts on the Rise

Have you gotten a text recently claiming that you have unpaid tolls? The FBI reports this scam started picking up steam last spring and has exploded in recent months, across Wisconsin and the rest of the nation.

Here's How it Works:
Scammers send a message claiming to be from a Toll Road Agency or authority (for instance, E-ZPass), notifying the recipient they have unpaid tolls. The message may include how much money you owe along with a notice that you must pay immediately to avoid a late fee. The text almost always includes a link for payment.

The link leads to a website that will collect credit card information along with potentially other personally identifying information like Driver's License Number or date of birth.

If you get a text message like this, do not click the link and do not respond to the message. (Responding to random text messages from scammers signals to them that they have found a potential target). Instead, report the message and delete the text.

How To Avoid the Road Toll Scam
Don't Click the link. Even if the URL looks legitimate, it's best practice to avoid clicking links in a text, especially if it arrives unannounced & demands urgent action.

Go to the Source. If you're concerned about potentially owing money, the best way to verify it would be to go to the company that operates the tolls. Find their website or call customer service to confirm if the charge is legitimate.

Report The Scam. You can use your phone's "Report Junk" function to remove the message. You can also report fraud to the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency, or to the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.