A sophisticated toll payment scam targeting drivers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware has prompted warnings from transportation authorities and law enforcement agencies, marking the latest evolution in a series of toll-related SMS fraud schemes that have recently plagued multiple states. The fraudulent scheme involves unsolicited text messages claiming recipients have unpaid toll bills that require immediate payment.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has reported a substantial increase in scam-related inquiries, with 8,000 reports received in the first two months of 2025, compared to 12,000 complaints over the previous eight months. The FBI is currently investigating the matter, adding to their growing portfolio of investigations into mobile-based payment fraud schemes that have caused millions in losses nationwide.
“If you have a bill, we will send you a toll by plate invoice in the mail,” said Marissa Orbanek of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. “If you’re an E-ZPass customer, like 86 percent of the people who use the Pennsylvania Turnpike, you will have that come into your E-ZPass account.”
The scam texts typically include urgent demands for payment, threatening severe consequences such as license suspension if payment is not received within a short timeframe, often 12 hours. The messages are being sent randomly, with reports of recipients including individuals who have not used toll roads in years and even minors without driving licenses. The approach matches similar tactics seen in recent SMS-based authentication scams that have led major technology companies to move away from text-based verification systems.
Transportation officials have identified several warning signs to help drivers identify fraudulent messages. These include the unsolicited nature of text communications, inconsistencies with actual travel history, and pressure tactics demanding immediate payment. “They were trying to make it seem like I was going to lose my license if I didn’t pay it immediately,” said Melissa Everett, who encountered the scam.
Authorities advise individuals who receive suspicious toll-related text messages to file complaints through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Legitimate toll charges for E-ZPass customers are processed through their accounts, while non-E-ZPass users receive official invoices by mail. The incident highlights the growing need for enhanced security measures in transportation payment systems, similar to the digital authentication solutions being implemented in other transportation services worldwide.
Sources: NBC Philadelphia, USC Department of Public Safety, Hernando County, NBC Philadelphia, SANDAG
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