See how to identify fake unpaid toll messages and what to do if you get one.

The recent surge of scam texts about unpaid tolls means it’s likely a case of when you’ll receive one rather than if. Here’s a quick overview of how to detect this common attempt to fraudulently obtain people’s money and personal information, and what to do if you get a fake unpaid toll text.

How to detect a toll road scam

If you receive a suspicious text, the Michigan Attorney General’s office says there are clues to help you identify it as a scam. Specifically, the message is:

• Unsolicited
• Sent from an unusually long phone number (10 or more digits)
• Includes a link that is likely shortened or scrambled
• Written with a sense of urgency
• Contains grammatical and spelling errors
• Requests personal or financial information

Don’t assume that “.gov” in a link means it’s legitimate. Many scammers use a domain name that includes “.gov” to fool people. For example, one uses “.gov-etcts” to catch people off guard. Also, be aware that fake toll road texts may appear to come from companies that run toll roads, like SunPass or E-ZPass.

Scam texts typically threaten that failure to pay will lead to penalties or legal action being taken against you. Sometimes they include an image of a fake court notice labeled “Notice of Civil Infraction Hearing” with a hearing date and time. Scammers create a false sense of urgency they hope will trick people into sharing personal and financial information.

Protect yourself from toll road fine scams

When a scam text shows up on your phone’s screen, follow these dos and don’ts:

• Don’t scan a QR code included in the message.
• Don’t click on any URL in the text.
• Do report scam texts by forwarding them to SPAM (7726) and by sending the texts to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Do delete the message.

Know how legitimate unpaid toll notices work

It can be unsettling to see a notice about an unpaid toll, even if it’s fake. Sometimes it’s reassuring to review how legitimate toll notices work. Remember that:

• Courts and police will never send a fine notice via text message.
• No transportation agency in the country uses texts with a link to pay tolls.
• Government agencies will not text you to demand money, nor will they ask for payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app.
• A legitimate notice of tolls or unpaid tickets will come by mail.

One more thing to note: Michigan does not have any toll roads, and tolls are only charged at a few bridges and one tunnel.

Filter out spam messages

Cell phone owners have a powerful tool for blocking scam texts. On an Android device, the system automatically puts messages from unknown senders into one of two folders: Spam or Unknown. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages, then scroll down to Unknown Senders and turn on Filter Spam. You can also turn on Screen Unknown Senders.

Get more tips for avoiding online scams

Texts aren’t the only way scammers try to trick people. Watch our short video, How to Avoid Getting Scammed Online, for more tips to help keep your personal and financial information safe.
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