Texts & Phone Calls
Unpaid toll text
A text message says you owe a small unpaid toll and threatens a big late fee or trouble with your license unless you pay right away through a link. The link leads to a fake payment page that steals your card number. Real toll agencies send bills by mail and do not demand payment by text.
What it looks like
Example scam message“Toll Services: Our records show an unpaid toll of $6.49. To avoid a $50.00 late fee and a hold on your vehicle registration, pay now at [link].”
Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.
Red flags to watch for
- A small amount owed, with a much bigger late fee threatened.
- Pressure to pay within hours or 'today.'
- A payment link that is not the toll agency's official website.
- You do not remember driving on a toll road recently.
What to do
- Do not tap the link.
- If you think you might really owe a toll, type the toll agency's website address yourself, or call the number on a past bill.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then delete it.
- If you already paid through the link, call your bank or card company right away.
Where to report it
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- IC3.gov
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM)
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ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.