Unpaid toll text scam: how to spot a fake toll text

Got a text saying you owe an unpaid toll? It’s probably a scam. Don’t tap the link.

Scammers send texts pretending to be a state toll agency. The text says you owe a small toll and must pay today. The link goes to a fake website that steals your card number and personal details.

Check a suspicious text Check a link

What the fake toll text looks like

The FBI shared this real example. The scam texts use almost the same words in every state:

“(State Toll Service Name): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.”

Do not visit that address. It is shown only as an example from the FBI warning.

5 signs it’s a toll scam

A small amount plus a big late fee
For example, "You owe $6.80. A $50 late fee will be added today." The scare is the point.
A deadline of today or 24 hours
Real toll agencies send bills with time to pay. Scammers want you to rush.
A link to tap and "pay now"
The website looks official but is not. It wants your card number, and sometimes your driver’s license number.
A state you did not drive in
Some people get toll texts from states they have never visited. That alone is a strong warning sign.
"Reply Y to get the link"
Replying tells scammers your number is real, and they send more.

What to do

Don’t tap the link and don’t reply, not even “STOP” or “Y.”
Check it yourself. Use the website or phone number on your toll account or a paper bill, never the one in the text.
Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), or tap “Report junk.”
Delete it.
If you paid or typed in card details, call your bank using the number on your card.

Toll scam texts by state

People search for this scam by state because the texts use local toll names. The advice is the same everywhere.

Toll scam text in Texas

Texas has several toll programs (such as TxTag, NTTA TollTag and EZ TAG), which makes it easy for scammers to pick a name that sounds real. Check your account only through the website or phone number on your toll tag account or a paper bill.

Toll scam text in Florida

Scammers often use the SunPass or E-PASS names. Do not tap the link. Check your account by typing the official address yourself, or call the number on your account statement.

Toll scam text in Georgia

Fake texts may use the Peach Pass name. Treat any unexpected toll text with a link as a scam until you check it yourself.

Toll scam text in Oklahoma

Fake texts may use the PikePass name. The same rule applies: no tapping, check it yourself.

Toll scam text in Washington State

Fake texts may use the Good To Go! name. Check your account yourself, not through the text.

Toll scam text in California

The FCC warns about fake texts using the FasTrak name. Check your account yourself, not through the text.

What if my state has no toll roads?

Then a toll text is almost certainly a scam, unless you recently drove a toll road in another state. Even then, check with that state’s toll agency yourself.

Free tools to practice and check

Scam Text and Email Checker: paste the toll text and see the warning signs.
Link Checker: see the real website name behind a link.
Scam or Real? quiz: practice spotting scams, including a fake toll text.

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Questions people ask

Is the unpaid toll text a scam?

Usually, yes. The FTC says if you get an unexpected text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls, it’s probably a scam. The FBI received over 2,000 complaints about these texts in just a few weeks in 2024, and they keep coming.

How do I check if I really owe a toll?

Do not use the link or number in the text. Log in to your toll account using a website you know is real, or call the customer service number on your toll tag account, your transponder paperwork, or a paper bill.

I tapped the link. What should I do?

If you only opened it, close it and delete the text. If you typed in card or bank details, call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card. If you gave your driver’s license or Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.

How do I report a toll scam text?

Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone’s "Report junk" option. You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov. Then delete it.

Why do scammers ask for such a small amount?

A few dollars feels safe to pay quickly. But the real goal is your card number and personal details, which can be used for much bigger charges.

Sources

Last updated: October 16, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.