The Rise of Toll Text Scams: How Hackers Are Exploiting Victims

Toll scam texts are becoming a major threat, targeting unsuspecting individuals with fraudulent messages demanding payment for fictional toll bills. These scams have surged in frequency, with cybersecurity company Trend Micro reporting a 900% increase in searches for “toll road scams” over the past three months. Meanwhile, McAfee research found that from early January to late February, the volume of toll scam texts quadrupled. Despite safety measures implemented by Apple and Android, hackers continue to bypass these protections, leaving millions vulnerable.

The scam operates by sending fake text messages to victims, warning them that they must pay a toll fee by a specific date or face penalties such as fines or license suspension. Many recipients panic and comply, unknowingly handing over their payment information to fraudsters. According to cybersecurity experts, these scams are proving to be highly effective, as they exploit fear and urgency to manipulate people into making payments.

Though Apple has implemented a security feature that removes links from suspicious texts, scammers have adapted by instructing users to reply with a simple “Y” to reactivate the link. This method circumvents Apple’s protective measures, making it easier for hackers to lure victims into their traps. Reporting and blocking scam numbers on Android and iPhone devices provides only temporary relief, as scammers can quickly switch to new numbers and continue sending messages.

Authorities have taken notice of this growing problem. In April 2024, the FBI issued a public service announcement warning the public about toll scams. More than 2,000 complaints were reported in at least three states, prompting federal agencies to encourage victims to file reports with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Federal Trade Commission also released a consumer alert in January, advising individuals to avoid clicking on any links or responding to these fraudulent messages. Additionally, local government entities such as the Virginia DMV, the California Attorney General’s office, and the Illinois Tollway have issued similar warnings.

Despite these efforts, the scam remains widespread because of its low cost and ease of execution. Hackers purchase phone numbers and domain names in bulk, allowing them to send millions of text messages with minimal investment. Many of these domains mimic official toll service names, such as Florida’s SunPass, New York’s E-ZPass, or Georgia’s Peach Pass, making them appear legitimate. Cybersecurity firm Censys has identified over 60,000 fake domains linked to toll scams, demonstrating the scale of the problem.

While the primary goal of these scams appears to be financial theft, the real danger lies in data harvesting. Scammers are not just looking to collect immediate payments—they are after personal information. Stolen identity details can be used for more extensive crimes, including financial fraud and account takeovers. According to KP Law, cybercriminals can exploit stolen personal data to make unauthorized purchases, open credit lines, or take out loans in the victim’s name.

Experts emphasize that the best defense against toll scam texts is to ignore them completely. Clicking on links, responding to messages, or engaging with the sender in any way increases the risk of falling victim to fraud. If you receive a suspicious text, the safest course of action is to delete it immediately. Additionally, individuals can report these scams to the relevant authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission, local law enforcement, and toll agencies, to help curb their spread.

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. While major tech companies continue to develop security measures, scammers will likely keep finding new ways to bypass them. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of any unexpected payment requests, especially those received via text message. By staying informed and cautious, people can protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.