FRAUD ALERT: PA Turnpike Warns of Ongoing Smishing Scam.
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As new waves of smishing scams resurface, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning customers to resist the urge to respond to phony text messages, known as “smishing” scams. Since 2024, state roads and tolling agencies across the country have seen a surge in fake texts requesting money for unpaid tolls, all in an effort to steal personal and financial information.
Millions of Americans fall victim to scams every year. Here’s some advice on how you can protect yourself and your finances from falling victim.
The PA Turnpike does not text E-ZPass or Toll By Plate customers and the links included in the text message are not connected to our organization. Customers who receive these communications should not click on any links within these text messages.
The PA Turnpike begins communications via U.S. Mail with E-ZPass and Toll By Plate customers that have an outstanding balance.
E-ZPass accounts that go into insufficient status – the account balance is zero dollars or less – receive the following notifications:
Toll By Plate customers will receive an initial invoice for travel and will have 30 days to pay or resolve before a past due invoice is mailed with a late fee included. If after 60 days the customer has not paid their balance, unpaid invoices are eligible to be sent to a collection agency.
The two collection agencies the PA Turnpike works with, Harris and Harris and TSI, will text customers that have a significant overdue balance. Harris and Harris will include their name, company information, and legitimate details relating to your account in their text messages. Text messages from TSI will also include similar information. But, neither the PA Turnpike, nor any of its partners, will ask customers to send money via a link or any other payment process, like Zelle or Venmo.
If you ever have a question about a toll payment, call our Customer Service Center at 877-736-6727. We have live agents ready to assist you. Live agents are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The PA Turnpike proactively created a website dedicated to providing public information about this and other scams, as well as tips for avoiding similar situations. You can view it by clicking here.
What is a tolling smishing scam?
A tolling smishing scam is a fraudulent text message that pretends to be from a toll agency and asks you to click a link or provide payment information for unpaid tolls. These messages are designed to steal personal or financial information.
Does the PA Turnpike send text messages about unpaid tolls?
No. The PA Turnpike does not text customers about unpaid toll balances. Official communications about overdue tolls begin through U.S. Mail.
How can I tell if a toll text message is fake?
Common warning signs include suspicious links, unexpected requests for payment, urgent language, random phone numbers or messages asking for personal or financial information.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious toll text?
Do not click any links or reply to the message. Instead, verify your account through an official PA Turnpike channel and report the message to 7726 (SPAM), the FTC or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
How does the PA Turnpike notify customers about overdue invoices?
Customers with outstanding balances receive mailed notices, including pre-final and final demand letters for E-ZPass accounts or mailed invoices and past-due notices for Toll By Plate travel.
Will collection agencies text about overdue tolls?
The PA Turnpike’s collection partners may text customers with significant overdue balances, but legitimate messages include clear company identification and will not request payment through random links or apps like Zelle or Venmo.
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