Did you receive a notice about a past due toll bill? It may be legit. But then again, it may not be legit. Fake toll bill scams are a popular tactic used by scammers to separate you from your money, and they’re on the rise according to the FTC. The reason these scams work so well is that toll roads and toll lanes are typically managed by city or state governments and oftentimes when driving, you don’t even realize that you have entered a toll zone. So yes, it is very possible that that notice you received about an unpaid or past due toll bill is legit. Here’s a rundown of some of the more notable toll-related scams…
Fake Toll Violation Notices
One of the most prevalent toll-related scams involves fake violation notices. Drivers may receive an official-looking letter or email that claims they have an unpaid toll. These notices often appear to come from a tolling authority, complete with logos, official-sounding language, and details about the toll route and date of the violation. However, these notices are designed to trick the driver into paying a fine or toll fee that isn’t owed.
Scammers may also use urgency tactics, such as threatening additional fees or legal action if the toll isn’t paid within a certain period. The scammer might even include links or phone numbers that lead to fraudulent websites or automated systems that collect payment information.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited emails, letters, or phone calls about unpaid tolls
- Payment instructions that ask for credit card or bank details
- A sense of urgency or threats of fines and legal action
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always verify the toll notice directly with the official tolling authority before making any payments.
- If the notice was received via email, check the sender’s email address carefully. Official tolling authorities will never ask for sensitive information via email.
- Avoid clicking links in emails or texts; instead, go directly to the tolling authority’s official website to check your account.
Fake Toll Payment Websites
Another common scam involves fake toll payment websites designed to steal your payment details. These websites may look almost identical to legitimate tolling websites, mimicking the branding, layout, and design of official toll systems. Once you enter your credit card information or personal details to pay an “unpaid toll,” the scammers take your money without actually processing the payment.
Scammers may also create fake mobile apps for toll payment, tricking drivers into downloading software that steals credit card data or infects their devices with malware.
Red Flags:
- Suspicious or unfamiliar websites asking for toll payments
- Promises of discounts or services that seem too good to be true
- Requests for personal or payment information without proper security protocols (look for “https” in the URL)
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always verify the website’s URL and ensure it’s the correct official site for the tolling authority.
- Be cautious of third-party websites or apps claiming to handle toll payments on your behalf.
- Use secure payment methods, and look for “https” or a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar for secure transactions.
- If using a toll app, download it directly from reputable sources like Google Play or the App Store, rather than from random links.
Toll Collection Calls or Texts
Some scammers target drivers through unsolicited phone calls or text messages, claiming that their vehicle has an unpaid toll and offering to settle the matter immediately. These texts will often show the amount of money you supposedly owe and ask you to follow a link that takes you to a page where you enter your credit card or banking information, along with other personal details to process payment. These callers may sound professional, sometimes even referencing specific tolls or vehicles, which can make the scam feel more credible.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited phone calls or texts claiming an unpaid toll violation
- Requests for immediate payment over the phone or text
- Lack of identifiable toll authority or vague details about the violation
How to Protect Yourself:
- Hang up and contact the tolling authority directly using a known, official phone number to verify any alleged violations.
- Do not provide personal or payment information over the phone or text unless you are sure about the identity of the caller.
- Do not click through on any text links – You can verify the message by visiting the official tolling authority website.
Toll Scams on Social Media
Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for scammers who prey on drivers with toll-related scams. Fraudsters may advertise fake toll payment services or promise refunds for toll fees if you sign up for their service or share your personal information. These fraudulent accounts often appear to be connected to the toll authority, making it hard for users to distinguish them from legitimate profiles.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited social media accounts offering deals or services related to toll payments
- Requests for personal or financial information through social media
- Promises of refunds, deals, or toll-free passes in exchange for a fee
How to Protect Yourself:
- Only use official tolling authority websites or apps to manage toll payments.
- Be cautious when responding to unsolicited messages or offers on social media platforms.
- If you come across suspicious accounts or posts, report them to the platform and the tolling authority.
Vehicle Plate Lookup Scams
In some cases, scammers may claim that they need to verify your vehicle’s license plate or registration details to process your toll payment. They may ask for sensitive personal information like your vehicle registration number, insurance details, or even a copy of your driver’s license, which they then use for identity theft or other fraudulent purposes.
Red Flags:
- Requests for personal identification or sensitive vehicle information over the phone, email, or text
- Lack of clear reasoning for why such information is needed to process toll payment
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never share personal identification information or vehicle details unless you’re absolutely certain about the legitimacy of the request.
- If you’re unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact your tolling authority or local DMV directly.
Remember to always verify any communication that claims you owe money, and be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for payment information.
