How to avoid toll road scams and protect yourself

From fake toll violation notices to phishing emails, toll road scams can be sneaky and convincing. In this post, we’ll cover what these scams look like, how to identify them, and what steps to take if you fall victim.

What are toll road scams?

Toll road scams come in different forms, but they all have one goal: to trick you into paying fraudulent fees or handing over sensitive personal data. Some of the most common toll scams include:

• Fake toll violation notices – Scammers send emails, text messages, or even paper mail claiming you owe money for an unpaid toll. These messages often include threats of penalties or legal action to pressure you into paying.
• Phishing emails from “toll authorities” – Cybercriminals impersonate toll agencies and send emails that direct you to fake websites where they steal your credit card details or login credentials.
• Scam text messages (smishing) – Similar to phishing emails, these messages claim you have an unpaid toll and provide a link to a fraudulent website.
• Fake websites mimicking official toll agencies – Scammers create websites that look like official toll payment portals, tricking people into entering their payment details.
• QR code scams at toll booths – Fraudsters place fake QR codes at toll plazas, leading drivers to spoofed payment pages.

How to identify a toll road scam

Scammers have become more sophisticated, making it harder to tell a fake message from a legitimate one. However, these red flags can help you spot a toll road scam:

• Unexpected notices – If you don’t remember missing a toll, be skeptical of any sudden violation notice. Legitimate agencies usually send invoices via official mail, not random emails or texts.
• Urgent or threatening language – Messages that pressure you to pay immediately or threaten fines and legal action are often scams.
• Unusual sender email or website links – Look closely at email addresses and URLs. Scammers often use misspelled domain names or extra characters (e.g., “Toll-Authority123.com” instead of “TollAuthority.com”).
• Suspicious links or attachments – Never click on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Hover over them to check the URL first—if it doesn’t match the official toll agency’s website, it’s a scam.
• Requests for personal information – Legitimate toll agencies don’t ask for sensitive details like Social Security numbers or full credit card info via email or text.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you’ve already clicked a fraudulent link or made a payment to a scammer, take action immediately:

• Report it to your toll agency – Contact the real toll road authority in your area and inform them of the scam. They can verify whether you owe anything and help you avoid further fraud.
• Dispute the charge with your bank – If you entered your payment details on a fraudulent site, call your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge and request a card replacement if needed.
• Monitor your accounts – Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit card transactions for any suspicious activity.
• File a complaint with authorities – Report toll scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or your local consumer protection agency.
• Strengthen your online security – If you provided login credentials on a fake website, change your passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.

How to avoid toll scams in the future

Staying proactive with your toll payments, verifying any unexpected notices, and using secure payment methods can help protect yourself from potential fraud. Here are some key steps to avoid getting scammed:

• Register for an official toll account – Sign up for an official electronic toll account (e.g., E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak) so you can manage payments directly and avoid relying on random notices.
• Verify before paying – If you receive a toll violation notice, visit the official website by typing the URL into your browser—don’t click links from emails or texts.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards – Credit cards offer better fraud protection if you accidentally pay a scammer.
• Enable scam alerts – Many banks and mobile carriers offer scam text and email alerts that can help you identify fraudulent messages.
• Stay updated on scams – Follow your state’s toll road agency and consumer protection agencies for alerts on new scam tactics.
• Sign up for Norton 360 with LifeLock – With the built-in Genie AI-Powered Scam Assistant, get guidance on whether on a suspicious message is a scam.

Toll road scams are on the rise, but by staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Always double-check unexpected toll notices, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report scams when you see them.