State departments across the country are ramping up warnings about smishing scams targeting toll road users, as victims continue to fall prey to these fraudulent communications. California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Ohio are some of the states being targeted, with officials urging vigilance as these scams become increasingly sophisticated.
On March 14, 2025, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) alerted drivers of fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Oregon DMV, stating, "If you receive suspicious messages about unpaid tolls, do not click any links. Instead, contact your local DOT for confirmation." This announcement came amid growing concerns over smishing scams, which combine SMS and phishing tactics to con unsuspecting individuals.
Washington State DOT also warned its toll road customers about fake text messages. They advised, "These aren’t from Good To Go! and link to a fake website. Don’t click on the link; it’s a FAKE website!" Reports indicated these messages threatened legal action for overdue tolls and sought payments through links directing recipients to illegitimate websites.
Similarly, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced on March 12, 2025, to customers of the E-ZPass program, "E-ZPass will never text or email you for personal information," emphasizing the need for caution when receiving such communications.
Numerous states, including Georgia and Florida, have seen these smishing scams flourishing, prompting alerts about inconsistent toll charges. These texts often claim users owe money and create urgency by stating non-payment could lead to fines. They appear official and some even mimic the format of genuine notices, but they are purely deceptive.
For example, one typical message might read, "[State Toll Service Name]: We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://*********tollservices.com to settle your balance." The URL appears similar to official state toll services, but is actually fake and aims to harvest personal data from unsuspecting victims.
Since March 2024, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received thousands of complaints, with the number of smishing texts skyrocketing by 900% over the past three months. It's alarming to note around 60,000 domains related to these scams have been traced back to networks operating from China, indicating the global scale of the fraudulent activity.
Given the prevalence of these attacks, it's estimated many Americans are vulnerable without protective measures. Individuals are encouraged to be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those prompting immediate action, and to verify any potential toll owed directly with official transportation agencies. Instead of following links or providing personal information, contacting agencies through established phone numbers is the safest route.
Beyond just the state transportation departments, other law enforcement agencies have been sounding alarms about related scams. For example, the NYPD released advisories on social media warning the public to steer clear of clicking on suspicious links tied to commonly utilized services, like the EZPass and even e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
This rising trend of smishing often goes hand-in-hand with general phishing attacks, where cybercriminals identify and target victims through personalized messaging. Unlike emails, text messages instill more urgency and trust, which often leads to higher open rates and susceptibility to fraud. Indeed, the nature of smishing makes it particularly dangerous; research shows individuals trust SMS more than other forms of communication.
Ohio Turnpike took steps to warn the public through YouTube videos discussing EZ-Pass-related fraud cases, underscoring the importance of public awareness and education on these issues. Many experts recommend utilizing identity theft protection services, which can monitor and secure sensitive personal data amid the threat of these pervasive scams.
The lessons here can greatly benefit individuals, especially during peak travel seasons like spring breaks when families often congregate for road trips. Smishing attacks typically exploit busy timeframes, leveraging the chaos to trick users during moments of distraction.
Essential security measures include securely deleting any fraudulent messages, blocking suspicious numbers, and thoroughly reporting incidents to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
While the threat looms large, remaining informed helps individuals protect themselves against falling victim to such scams. Awareness is key, with advocates reminding communities, "If you suspect any fraud, verify your information with your toll service provider directly and always approach unsolicited messages with caution." These proactive steps not only help individuals safeguard personal and financial information but also contribute to broader efforts to mitigate scam proliferation.
Overall, the rise of smishing scams reflects the changing dynamics of fraud, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and reliance on trusted sources for information. The collaboration of state departments and law enforcement agencies serves as a strong front against these threats as they continue to adapt to counteract fraudsters' ever-evolving tactics.
