Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Toll Fee Text Scam Message
Toll Fee Text Scam Message

If you received a text message about an unpaid toll fee, it is almost certainly a phishing scam, often called "smishing". Scammers send these mass texts to trick people into clicking a malicious link and providing credit card or personal information.

Spot the Scam

  • Urgency & Threats: The text often warns that your account will be suspended or that you will face large late fees if you don’t pay within a very short window (e.g., 12 hours).
  • Suspicious Links: The URL will look official but won't match the actual agency's website (e.g., using "azdot.gov" as part of a longer, strange domain).
  • Generic Greetings: Legitimate agencies usually address you by name; scams often use "Dear Customer" or "E-ZPass user".
  • International Numbers: Many of these texts come from international country codes (like +63 for the Philippines) or random domestic numbers.
  • Nonsense Timing: People who don't own cars or live in states without toll roads often receive these messages.

What to Do

  1. Do NOT click the link: Clicking can lead to a phishing site designed to steal your data or install malware.
  2. Do NOT reply: Even replying "STOP" confirms your number is active, leading to more scam attempts.
  3. Verify independently: If you’re worried, log in directly to your toll agency’s official website or call their verified customer service number. Do not use any contact info from the text.
  4. Report and Block:
  5. Delete the message: Once reported, delete it and block the sender.
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