Beware of Toll Scam Messages: Essential Information for 2025

If you’ve gotten a dubious text indicating you owe toll fees from services such as E-ZPass, FasTrak, or Peach Pass, you’re not the only one. These fraudulent messages have been making the rounds for months—and they show no signs of disappearing.

We initially reported on these toll scams in January, and regrettably, they’ve only proliferated in 2025. The primary advice remains the same: Avoid clicking on any hyperlinks and refrain from responding to these communications.

Here’s the latest on how these scams function and how you can safeguard yourself.

What Are E-ZPass and FasTrak Scam Messages?

These scams usually manifest as a text message from an unrecognized number or email address. The content indicates that you have outstanding tolls and urges immediate action to prevent penalties—a typical scare tactic intended to prompt impulsive reactions.

The message often contains a link redirecting to a fake website that may seek to gather your personal or financial details.

For instance, Reddit users have circulated screenshots of these scam messages, leading to extensive discussions and warnings. Social media platforms like Bluesky have also witnessed users sharing experiences of receiving similar communications.

How to Identify a Toll Scam Message

Once you know the key indicators, these fraudulent texts are relatively simple to spot:

1. Verify the sender. Early scams frequently originated from numbers with a +63 country code (Philippines), but newer variants may utilize random email addresses. Authentic toll agencies will not reach out to you in this manner.

2. Scrutinize the link. Avoid clicking it. These links generally direct you to dubious websites designed to harvest your information.

3. Understand the operations of toll agencies. Services like E-ZPass and FasTrak send invoices through traditional mail — not via text. They also will not threaten to suspend your license without prior notice.

What to Do If You Receive a Scam Message

If you come across one of these texts, take the following actions:

– Refrain from clicking the link.
– Delete the message.
– Report it as junk or spam using your device’s built-in functions.

If you are uncertain about the authenticity of the message, the Federal Trade Commission advises reaching out to your local tolling agency directly using contact details from their official website—not from the suspicious message you received.

Scams Are Proliferating Across the U.S.

These toll fraud schemes have spread nationwide. In New York, the situation escalated to the point where Governor Kathy Hochul issued a public advisory. Similar warnings have been released by government agencies in Virginia, New Hampshire, and other states.

In Georgia, residents have reported scams related to MyPeachPass, prompting the toll service to release its own alert. “The complaint information indicates that the scam may be migrating from state to state,” Peach Pass remarked on its website.

California’s Metro ExpressLanes also alerted users, saying, “Metro ExpressLanes does NOT dispatch text messages requesting sensitive information or payments.”

Other states experiencing similar issues include:

– Texas: The DMV and Department of Transportation have flagged scams targeting TxTag users.
– Maryland: DriveEzMD has warned of deceptive texts.
– Washington, D.C.: The DMV has provided resources for reporting fraud.
– Massachusetts: Reports of E-ZDriveMA scam messages have emerged.
– Delaware and beyond: State agencies across the nation have issued analogous warnings.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of where you reside, if you receive a text about unpaid tolls, approach it with extreme caution. Do not click any links, do not reply, and report the message as spam.

If you ever have doubts, contact your tolling agency directly via their official website or customer service number.

Have You Been Targeted?

If you’ve encountered a scam or security breach, Mashable is eager to hear from you. Share your story by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Safety Net,” or use this form. A member of our team may reach out to you.

Stay vigilant— and remember, if in doubt, delete the text.