What is the E-ZPass scam and why sre so many people getting texts about unpaid tolls? Here's how to spot and avoid this fraud

scam text messages about unpaid tolls is sweeping across the U.S., deceiving thousands into sharing personal and financial information. This scam, known as «smishing,» blends «SMS» (text messaging) with «phishing,» a cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate trusted sources to steal sensitive data. In 2024 alone, the FBI logged over 60,000 complaints related to this scam—a number that may be just the tip of the iceberg. As highways transition to cashless tolls, scammers are taking advantage of the shift, exploiting unsuspecting drivers with alarming messages.

What exactly is smishing and how does it trick people?

Smishing relies on fraudulent text messages that claim the recipient has unpaid toll fees. These messages often contain a link to a fake payment portal designed to look official. The moment someone clicks and enters their details, they risk losing money, installing malware, or compromising their identity. What makes this particularly dangerous is the level of sophistication. These messages mimic real toll agencies, using official logos, urgent language, and even spoofed phone numbers.

How widespread is the toll scam text problem?

Federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI, have sounded the alarm on this growing fraud. Reports indicate a massive increase in scam toll messages, especially since early 2024. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) warns that many cases go unreported—either because victims don't realize they’ve been scammed or because they feel embarrassed to report smaller financial losses. Cybersecurity experts believe the actual number of affected individuals could be staggering.

Why are these toll scams becoming so common?

Several factors are fueling the