How to spot and avoid toll scam texts

Ever gotten a text about an unpaid toll you don’t remember racking up? Chances are, it’s a scam.

Toll scam texts are a form of phishing where scammers impersonate toll collection agencies to trick you into clicking a link, sharing your personal info, or even making a payment you don’t owe. Here’s what to know about this scam trend, how to recognize red flags, and ways to protect your family from falling for it.

What is a toll scam text?

A toll scam text is a fake message claiming you owe money for an unpaid toll. It often includes urgent language ("Immediate action required" or "Pay now to avoid penalties") and a link that looks official but leads to a fraudulent site.

These scams have been reported by toll authorities and consumer protection agencies across the U.S., including The Toll Roads of Orange County, the FCC, and the FTC. 

The goal? To steal your personal data or payment info.

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

Common signs of a toll scam text

Knowing what to look for can help you stop scammers in their tracks. Here are some of the most common signs:

1. Suspicious URLs

Legitimate toll agencies typically use .gov or clearly branded .com domains. Scam links often look strange, shortened (like bit.ly links), or contain typos and extra characters.

2. Urgent or threatening language

Scammers want you to act fast, so their messages sound serious: "Final notice," "Avoid legal action," or "Account suspended." Real agencies rarely use scare tactics in texts.

3. Requests for payment or sensitive info

If the text asks you to input your credit card number, Social Security number, or login credentials, it’s a red flag. Never share this information via text.

4. Messages from random or unfamiliar numbers

Legitimate messages often come from verified short codes. If the message comes from a standard 10-digit number, proceed with caution.

What to do if you get a toll scam text

Don’t click the link

This is rule #1. Clicking can trigger malware downloads or send you to a phishing site that looks like the real deal.

Verify independently

Visit the official toll agency website or contact them directly. For example, the official site for The Toll Roads in California is thetollroads.com.

Report the scam

You can forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), a free service by most carriers. Also, report it to the FCC and FTC.

Block the sender

Most phones allow you to block numbers and report them as junk. While this won’t stop future messages from other numbers, it does add a layer of protection.

Talk to your family

Make sure your kids and teens know how to recognize scam texts, too. If they have phones, they’re also targets.

How to protect your family from text scams

Scams are evolving, and so should your defenses. Here are a few ways to keep your household safe:

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a second verification step can prevent unauthorized access if someone does get your info.

• Install security software: Antivirus apps can flag phishing attempts or malicious links.

• Educate early and often: Talk to your kids about the types of scams they might see, why it’s important not to click links from strangers, and to triple-check even when it looks legit.

• Review phone settings: Some carriers offer spam filters and parental controls that help block scam texts before they reach your inbox.

Toll scam texts are a real threat, but with a sharp eye and a few simple habits, you can steer clear of them. Think before you click, verify before you pay, and keep your family informed.

Protect your $ and family. Keep everyone's safety and finances in check with Greenlight — the all-in-one educational money app. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.