What it looks like
"FINAL NOTICE: You have an unpaid toll balance of $6.99. Pay by today to avoid a $50 late fee and suspension of your driving privileges: [link]"
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The same text goes out to huge lists of phone numbers at once. The sender has no idea whether you drive, or whether you have ever used a toll road. They only need a few people out of thousands to tap. The amount is kept small on purpose, because most of us pay a few dollars without stopping to think.
The link opens a page dressed up with the name, logo and colors of a real toll agency. It asks for your name, address and card number to clear the 'balance'. Once you type them, the scammers have your card. Some of these pages then ask for the code your bank just texted you. That code lets them make much bigger charges right away.
It fools careful people because toll bills are real. Many roads now charge by license plate and send the bill later, so a surprise bill does not seem strange. The safe habit is simple: never pay from a link in a text. Go to your toll agency's website by typing it yourself, or call the number on a statement you already have.
Signs it is fake
- A tiny amount paired with a big threat, like a large fee or losing your license
- A deadline of today
- A link to a website that is not your toll agency's real address
- You may not have driven on a toll road at all
What to do
- Do not tap the link or reply.
- If you do use toll roads, check your account by typing your toll agency's website yourself, or call the number on a statement you already have.
- Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM) to report it to your phone carrier, then delete it.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If you entered card details, call your bank using the number on the back of your card and ask them to block the card.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Package delivery text
- Bank fraud alert text
- Amazon order or account text
- Apple ID or iCloud scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle