If you've received a suspicious text claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls, you're not alone. A growing number of drivers across the country, including here in Georgia, are being targeted by a toll scam that's cleverly disguised and alarmingly effective. The messages are urgent, intimidating, and come with links designed to trick you into handing over personal and financial information.
But here’s the twist: those texts aren’t from any toll authority – they’re from scammers!
The Scam Unpacked
The messages often claim there’s an issue with your Peach Pass (Georgia's electronic toll collection system) or E-ZPass. They warn of outstanding balances, late fees, or pending penalties if you don’t pay up immediately. The text includes a link or an option to respond “YES” to resolve the issue.
Check out this message that even I received in March:
Sounds official, right? Feels urgent. That’s exactly the point.
But none of it is real. This text, and others just like it, are phishing attempts designed to mimic official government communications. They aim to pressure recipients into clicking malicious links or submitting personal data, like credit card numbers or login credentials.
This isn’t a localized nuisance, either. Reports of similar toll scams have surfaced nationwide, from Massachusetts to California. It’s a scam built on fear, convenience, and the common confusion many drivers feel about toll payments.
How to Spot and Stop the Scam
What makes this scam so dangerous is how convincing it looks. But here are a few signs to watch out for:
- You receive a text instead of a bill. Georgia’s State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) doesn’t notify Peach Pass users of unpaid tolls by text. If you truly owe a toll, you’ll get a bill in the mail.
- It contains a link or asks for sensitive information. No legitimate agency will demand payment or personal information through a random URL in a text message.
- It threatens immediate consequences. Scammers thrive on urgency. If a message says you'll face "heavy fines" or legal action if you don’t respond instantly, it’s almost certainly a scam.
If you receive one of these texts:
- First of all, do NOT click the link! Even tapping it could expose you to malware or direct you to a fake payment portal.
- Report it. Mark the text as “junk” or “spam” in your phone’s messaging app. Most carriers also allow you to report scam messages by forwarding them to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”).
- Delete it. Don’t engage. Once it’s reported, remove the message entirely.
- Verify any toll issues directly. Contact the Peach Pass Customer Service Center or visit the official SRTA website to check your account.
Why This Matters Now
With nearly every service from utility bills to traffic violations available online, scammers are betting we’ve become numb to digital notices. And for many people, the fear of late penalties or license suspension is enough to click without thinking twice.
The thing is though, acting too quickly could cost you far more than a toll.
Final Thoughts:
Toll scams are a troubling reminder that even the most ordinary services, like driving on a highway, can become a gateway for fraud. Don’t let urgency override caution. Know how your toll service communicates. And if something feels off, trust your instincts.
