Hollywood Life: How to spot the messages & what they mean
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In recent months, multiple outlets and social media users have reported receiving scam notifications on their phones that claimed to be toll charges. In recent months, multiple outlets and social media users have reported receiving scam notifications on their phones, claiming to be toll charges.
Per CBS News, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned the nation that texts they’re receiving over supposed unpaid tolls are “probably” scams.
“Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might’ve gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. The FTC warned that it was “probably a scam”. The FTC warned that scammers were pretending to be toll agencies and sending text messages demanding money. Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal your identity.”
Keep reading to learn more about the scam messages and what to do if you receive one.
SCAM ALERT: Has anyone else gotten this text numerous times this week? This is my fourth! Although I admire your persistence, I don’t fall for it. Pic.twitter.com/OLsOpPeZeo
— Mycah Hatfield (@MycahABC13) February 22, 2025
What Do Real Roll Road Notifications Look Like? pic.twitter.com/OLsOpPeZeo
— Mycah Hatfield (@MycahABC13) February 22, 2025
What Do Real Roll Road Notifications Look Like?
E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail do not notify drivers of unpaid tolls via text message requesting personal information, such as credit card or Social Security numbers. If you receive a text or an email asking for personally identifiable details, you should not provide that information.
What Do the Roll Road Scam Texts Look Like?
The scam texts vary in appearance, but New York, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Florida, Indianapolis, Pennsylvania and other states have reported drivers receiving messages claiming that they owed toll fees. USAToday reported that its staff received these texts. One of the messages read: “Pay your FastTrak Lane Tolls by February 13 2025.” You can avoid a fine by paying at (Please reply “Y”, then exit the message, open it again, and copy the link to your Safari browser, and open it). Please pay your tolls on time to avoid late fees or legal action. We thank you for your cooperation, and wish you happy holidays. The FTC has advised Americans to take the following steps if they receive these scams:
Don’t click the link in the scam text; visit the actual toll service website to check an account’s balance
Use a smartphone’s “report junk” feature upon receiving one of these texts
- If you do click the link in the scam message, secure all your personal information as soon as possible, including bank accounts
- File a complaint with the FBI’s If you receive one of these messages, use your smartphone’s “report spam” feature to report it.
