E-ZPass Toll Scams Are Back—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve recently received a text claiming you owe unpaid toll fees, you’re not alone. Scammers are once again targeting drivers with fake messages pretending to be from toll services like E-ZPass and FasTrak. These texts often create a sense of urgency, threatening penalties like license suspension if you don’t pay immediately. But before you panic—or worse, click on any links—here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

How the Scam Works

These fraudulent texts often come from suspicious phone numbers, sometimes with international area codes like +63, linked to the Philippines, or random email addresses. A typical message might say something like, “Your E-ZPass account has unpaid tolls. Pay now to avoid penalties.” The goal is to trick you into clicking a link that leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal or financial information.

Red flags to watch for include unsolicited messages. Legitimate toll agencies don’t demand payment via text out of the blue. Another warning sign is threats of immediate action. Phrases like “your license will be suspended” are scare tactics. Always check the URL in any message. Official toll agencies won’t use unfamiliar web addresses.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you get one of these texts, don’t engage. Here’s how to handle it. First, do not click any links or reply to the message. Second, delete the text and mark it as spam or junk. Third, verify directly with your toll agency. Use their official website or customer service number, not the contact info in the suspicious text. Finally, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission or forward it to Mashable’s safety team at safety@mashable.com.

As Tim Marcin, Associate Editor at Mashable, notes, these scams rely on fear. Scammers know that threats of legal action or fines will make people act without thinking. But toll agencies don’t operate this way. Real notices come by mail, not text.

Why This Scam Keeps Coming Back

This isn’t the first time toll-related scams have made headlines. Mashable covered a similar wave in January 2025, and social media users have been sharing their experiences. One Reddit user recently posted a screenshot of a scam text, sparking discussions about how persistent these fraudsters are. Even Twitter and Bluesky users have called out the scam’s obvious flaws, mocking its poorly written demands.

Scammers may tweak their tactics, changing sender IDs or refining their messages, but the core strategy remains the same. They exploit urgency to steal your data.

Stay Safe and Spread the Word

The best defense is awareness. If you get a suspicious toll text, ignore it, delete it, and warn friends and family. Remember, legitimate agencies won’t pressure you via text. For more tips, check the FTC’s guide on avoiding toll scams at consumer.ftc.gov.

Stay vigilant—and don’t let scammers take you for a ride.