Unpaid toll texts: a common scam

Updated November 3, 2026

Scammers send texts pretending to be a toll agency, saying you owe a small amount and will be charged late fees unless you pay right away. The link leads to a fake payment page that takes your card details. The FTC lists fake toll notices among the most reported text scams.

Example of what it looks like

Notice: You have an unpaid toll balance of $4.15. To avoid a $50 late fee, pay by today: https://toll-pay-center.example/pay

Example written by us, based on the warnings below. Real messages vary: the amounts, names and links change all the time.

Warning signs

It arrived out of the blue, often from a number or email address you don't know.
A small amount, plus a much bigger late fee or a threat ("your license will be suspended") to rush you.
A link to pay. The address isn't your toll agency's real website.
You may not even have driven on a toll road recently.

What to do

Don't tap the link or reply, not even "STOP".
If you're worried you really owe a toll, look up your toll agency yourself and check your account on its real website or app, or call the number on its website.
If you already entered card details, call your bank or card company right away.
Report it: forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it.

Sources

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