Toll Fee Smishing Scams: How to Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Text Messages

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In recent years, text message-based scams, also known as smishing, have gained traction, and a troubling new form is currently targeting drivers across the United States. These scams typically involve fake notifications about outstanding toll fees, pressuring victims into making payments through fraudulent links. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings about these deceptive tactics, and now state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) are stepping in to help protect consumers. In this article, we will break down the latest trends in toll fee scams, how they operate, and practical steps to avoid falling victim to them.

The Rise of Toll Fee Smishing Scams

Over a year ago, the FBI first issued a warning about a new type of smishing scam in which cybercriminals were using text messages to impersonate official toll agencies and demand payment for unpaid toll fees. These texts claimed that the recipient owed a small amount, which could easily be settled by clicking on a link that led to a fraudulent payment page.

In January 2025, the FTC issued a similar alert, acknowledging that this type of scam had spread rapidly. By April 2025, toll fee scams were on the rise again, with multiple states warning their residents to be cautious of unsolicited SMS messages.

Three major DMVs—New York, Florida, and California—have also jumped into action, advising their residents to ignore messages requesting toll fee payments. The scams have proven to be incredibly effective, with the FTC reporting that 16% of all reported fraud attempts in 2024 were text-based scams, contributing to over \$470 million in criminal revenue.

The sheer scale of the smishing problem is staggering. In April 2025 alone, Americans received a whopping 19.2 billion spam texts—roughly 63 per person. Given these numbers, it is no surprise that these fraudulent schemes are continuing to grow in scope and sophistication.

What Undercode Says:

The rise of toll fee smishing scams can be attributed to the growing dependence on smartphones for daily activities like bill payments, transportation management, and digital communication. Cybercriminals are constantly refining their strategies to exploit these conveniences, and text-based scams are particularly effective because they often bypass traditional email security systems.

A key tactic used in toll fee scams is urgency. Scammers often claim that the payment is “due immediately,” pushing people to act quickly and make rushed decisions. The links embedded in these messages often lead to pages that closely resemble official toll websites, making it even harder for victims to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent communications.

Another reason why these scams are successful is that many individuals are unfamiliar with the technology used to perpetrate these attacks. For instance, some victims may not notice the subtle differences between a legitimate URL and a fake one. Even more concerning is that some scammers are now spoofing phone numbers, making it appear as though the message is coming from an official DMV or toll service.

The financial impact of these scams is also troubling. While many victims might not lose a significant amount of money in one instance, the cumulative effect on the population is substantial. The \$470 million reported by the FTC is just the tip of the iceberg, as many scams go unreported, and victims may not immediately recognize that they have been targeted.

To effectively combat these smishing campaigns, it is essential to educate the public about the red flags of such scams. Clear awareness campaigns can help people recognize the signs of fraud and take appropriate steps to protect themselves.

For example, one of the best defenses against these scams is skepticism. If you receive an unexpected message asking for money or personal information, verify the claim through official channels. Contact the toll service or DMV directly to inquire about any fees or payments you might owe.

Security features such as Malwarebytes Mobile Security, which scans incoming messages for malicious content, can also play a critical role in preventing people from falling victim to these scams. The added convenience of filtering out suspicious messages before they even reach your inbox is an invaluable tool for staying one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Fact Checker Results:

Smishing scams targeting toll fees have seen a surge in recent months, with millions of Americans receiving fraudulent SMS messages. 🧐
The FBI and FTC have both issued official warnings, underscoring the growing threat posed by such scams. 🚹
Experts recommend using mobile security apps like Malwarebytes to protect against these types of attacks. 🔒

Prediction:

As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, we can expect toll fee smishing scams to become even more sophisticated. Future scams may employ advanced techniques like artificial intelligence to make the messages more convincing or use voice-based phishing (vishing) to mimic real toll authorities. It’s likely that more states will issue direct alerts to residents, and mobile security solutions will continue to improve to identify and block these malicious messages before they reach users. Staying vigilant and regularly educating the public will be crucial in keeping these threats at bay.

References:

Reported By: www.malwarebytes.com
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