Unpaid Toll Scams Are on the Rise: Here's What You Need to Know
February 20, 2025
As toll roads have become more common across the U.S., there has been a rise in scam text messages targeting innocent people that urges them to pay tolls for roads they never used. TVFCU operates in a 17-county service area in Tennessee and Georgia – it is important to note: Tennessee does not have any toll roads, while Georgia does have toll roads under the Peach Pass system.
These scam messages are going out to people in all states, regardless of whether they live in an area with toll roads. The text typically reads something like: “Your vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice of $10.00. To avoid additional charges of $75.00, please settle your balance now at fake website link”. Clicking this link will take you to a website where you are at a high risk of getting your personal and financial information stolen.
What to do if you receive a scam text
To avoid falling for a toll scam, follow these steps:
Don’t click on any links: Scammers are going to make the text sound like an urgent action needs to be taken, but it’s best for you to take a second, read through it, and think about if you actually did drive through a toll road.
Check to see if the message is real: You can confirm with your state’s tolling agency by contacting them through their confirmed phone number on their website. Avoid using any contact details provided in the text.
Georgia’s tolling agency is The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). Their website is https://srta.ga.gov/contact-us/
Tennessee does not have a tolling agency, because they do not have toll roads. However, if you ever have any questions, contact the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) at https://www.tn.gov/tdot.html
Report the Scam: If you've determined the message is a scam, report it and then delete it.
Here are two websites where you can report scam messages:
FBI Internet Crime Complaint center: https://www.ic3.gov/
FTC Report Fraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Related links: