Toll Road Text Scam (Smishing)
The toll road text scam increased 900% in 2025 (McAfee). FBI IC3 received over 60,000 complaints in Q1 2025. Scammers text fake unpaid toll notices for E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, and other toll systems nationwide.
Reports
60,000+ Q1 2025 (FBI IC3)
First documented
2023
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. It is not a factual determination about any specific caller or number. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Text reads: 'E-ZPass: You have an unpaid toll of $4.30. Pay now to avoid a $35 late fee: [link]'. The link goes to a fake toll portal that collects your card number and home address. Many variants reference specific toll roads by name.
5 red flags
FBI IC3 documented 60,000+ complaints in Q1 2025 — largest single-quarter surge ever recorded
McAfee research shows +900% increase in toll scam texts in 2025
Real toll agencies send paper notices by mail for significant unpaid balances
The link domain is never the official state toll authority website
Operated by organized SMS phishing networks (Smishing Triad) targeting all U.S. states simultaneously
What to do
Delete the text — do not click any link
Check your real toll balance directly at your state's official toll authority website
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier
Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report this scam
Source
FBI IC3 — 60,000+ complaints Q1 2025; McAfee 2025 — +900% year-over-year increase
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2024/PSA240412 ↗Reported numbers using this pattern
Specific scam messages in this pattern
E-ZPass "Unpaid Toll" Text Scam — $12 Phishing Warning
E-ZPass: You have an unpaid toll of $12.51. Failure to pay within 48 h…
SunPass "Unpaid Toll" Text Scam — Florida Phishing Warning 2025
SunPass Toll Services: We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $19…
FasTrak "Unpaid Toll" Text Scam — California Phishing Warning
FasTrak Notification: Toll invoice #CF-89234 for $6.74 is past due. Fa…
TxTag "Unpaid Toll" Text Scam — Texas Phishing Warning
TxTag: Your account has an unpaid balance of $14.25. Pay immediately t…
Illinois I-PASS "Unpaid Toll" Text Scam — Chicago Warning
Illinois I-PASS: Unpaid toll of $9.25 detected. Immediate payment requ…
Georgia Peach Pass "Unpaid Toll" Text Scam — Warning
Peach Pass GA: You have an outstanding toll balance of $11.00. Pay wit…
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Toll Road Text Scam (Smishing)?▼
The toll road text scam increased 900% in 2025 (McAfee). FBI IC3 received over 60,000 complaints in Q1 2025. Scammers text fake unpaid toll notices for E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, and other toll systems nationwide.
How do I recognize a Toll Road Text Scam (Smishing)?▼
Red flags: FBI IC3 documented 60,000+ complaints in Q1 2025 — largest single-quarter surge ever recorded; McAfee research shows +900% increase in toll scam texts in 2025; Real toll agencies send paper notices by mail for significant unpaid balances.
What should I do if I receive a Toll Road Text Scam (Smishing)?▼
Delete the text — do not click any link Check your real toll balance directly at your state's official toll authority website Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier
How common is the Toll Road Text Scam (Smishing)?▼
60,000+ Q1 2025 (FBI IC3). First documented: 2023. Source: FBI IC3 — 60,000+ complaints Q1 2025; McAfee 2025 — +900% year-over-year increase.
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Check your message →Source: FBI IC3 — 60,000+ complaints Q1 2025; McAfee 2025 — +900% year-over-year increase
First documented: 2023 · Last active: 2026-03
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