Have you received a text message alerting you of an unpaid toll violation? Don’t panic, the suspicious texts are part of a widespread spam attack known as “smishing” or SMS (short message service) phishing.
As previously reported by the Tennessean, the scam first appeared in 2024 and resurfaced in February. According to an FBI alert from April 2024, the bureau received over 2,000 complaints regarding smishing texts representing road toll collection services in various states.
The scammers behind the phishing attempt have proven persistent, as the messages have continued well into 2025 and have adopted more threatening language. Here’s what to know.
If you’ve gotten a questionable text lately about owed money for unpaid tolls, don’t worry – it’s most likely a scam. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money.
The scammers behind these messages are reportedly targeting individuals not only to deceive them into giving away money but also to steal their identities.
The messages use fear-mongering language, alerting people of their “final notice” and stating that “they must settle the balance within 12 hours to avoid severe penalties.” These messages may also include the amount of money owed, a due date and instructions on how to pay the alleged “balance.”
People may also be threatened with “consequences” if they do not comply, such as late fees, negative credit reports, and even suspension of vehicle registration.
“This is your last opportunity,” reads a text. “Pay now to avoid irreversible consequences.”
Smishing is a popular form of cybercrime in which hackers or “smishers” use nefarious text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money. Smishers will often use deceitful wording, such as in the case of the toll notice violations, to fool people into comprising their private, personal information.
According to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), several factors have contributed to a rise in smishing. For example, smishers know victims are likelier to click text messages than other links. Meanwhile, advances in spam filters have made it harder for other forms of phishing, like emails and phone calls, to reach their targets.
Smishers can also conceal the origins of smishing messages by spoofing phone numbers with burner phones or using software to send texts by email, reported the corporation. Additionally, it’s more challenging to spot dangerous links on cell phones than on computers.
Moreover, people have become accustomed to receiving SMS communications from banks and brands, often including shortened URLs in text messages.
Example of smishing scams can include:
In order to avoid the text scams, the trade commission recommends the following:
People are also encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
People are able to stop unwanted messages before receiving them. According to the trade commission, wireless providers may offer tools or services to block calls and text messages such as AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter and T-Mobile Scam Shield.
AT&T ActiveArmor is a mobile security app that provides users various features to help protect against cybersecurity threats such as phishing attempts. AT&T offers both a free and paid version of the app.
Verizon’s Call Filter allows users to screen, block and report unwanted numbers. With Call Filter, people are notified who is calling, even if they’re not listed as a contact. Premium features include Public Wi-Fi Protection, Identity Monitoring, and Reverse Number Lookup. Users may use the basic plan for free or upgrade to plus at $3.99 per line.
T-Mobile Scam Shield can be used to protect against both scam calls and texts. Free features include Scam Block and Scam ID, while premium features include reverse number lookup and Category Manager, which allows users to block specific types of calls, such as those from telemarketers. Free and paid versions of the app are available.
Some call-blocking apps may also block unwanted text messages.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

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