FBI Alert: Rising Toll Payment Scams and How to Protect Yourself

Person reading a scam message on a smartphone.

FBI issues urgent warning as Chinese-linked “smishing” scams targeting American drivers with fake toll payment messages surge, stealing financial information from thousands of unsuspecting victims.

Key Insights

  • Over 2,000 complaints have been filed regarding text message scams impersonating state toll agencies, with scammers targeting at least 10 U.S. states and Canada.
  • Sophisticated criminal enterprises, likely operating from Southeast Asia with Chinese connections, are using bulk-purchased domains and specialized techniques to bypass smartphone security features.
  • The elderly and less tech-savvy individuals are particularly vulnerable to these scams, which threaten fines or suspended driving privileges if “unpaid tolls” aren’t immediately addressed.
  • FBI and state officials advise never clicking suspicious links, verifying toll charges directly with official agencies, and reporting incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Nationwide Scam Operation Targeting American Drivers

American drivers across at least ten states and extending into Canada are being targeted by an aggressive wave of text message scams falsely claiming unpaid toll charges. These deceptive messages, known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), threaten recipients with severe penalties including license suspension if immediate payment isn’t made. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that these fraudulent texts have generated over 2,000 complaints in a matter of weeks, marking a dramatic escalation in this type of cyber fraud activity targeting ordinary citizens, particularly older Americans who may be less familiar with digital security precautions.

What makes these scams particularly effective is their sophisticated design. Cybersecurity experts have noted that criminals are purchasing domains in bulk specifically for these operations, creating convincing fake payment portals that closely mimic legitimate toll authority websites. The scammers employ urgency tactics, warning that fines will increase dramatically if not paid within hours, pushing victims to act hastily rather than verify the legitimacy of the claims. Notably, the scams have even appeared in states like Vermont that don’t have toll roads, creating confusion among travelers.

Foreign Criminal Enterprises Behind the Attacks

Investigation into these fraudulent operations has revealed disturbing connections to foreign criminal networks. Intelligence suggests that Chinese criminal organizations operating from remote locations in Southeast Asia are likely behind this coordinated campaign targeting American drivers. These groups have established sophisticated technology centers in isolated areas, using advanced methods to distribute mass-scale fraudulent messages while evading detection by U.S. authorities. The scale of the operation is reflected in search data showing a staggering 900% increase in searches for “toll road scams” as more Americans encounter these deceptive messages.

“They are basically building big data centers in the jungle”

The technical sophistication of these attacks is particularly concerning to cybersecurity experts. Modern smartphones typically provide some protection against phishing by flagging suspicious links from unknown senders. However, these scammers have developed methods to bypass these safeguards. One common technique involves sending an initial message that doesn’t contain links but instead asks recipients to reply with “Y” to resolve the issue. This engagement establishes a conversation that removes automated protections, allowing scammers to then send malicious links that appear more legitimate to both the device and user.

State Officials and FBI Issue Warnings and Guidance

State authorities are taking this threat seriously, with multiple attorneys general issuing official warnings to residents. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has been particularly vocal about the danger, reminding citizens that legitimate toll authorities don’t typically initiate payment collection through text messages. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark noted the unusual situation in her state, where toll road scams are appearing despite Vermont having no toll roads, potentially creating confusion for travelers who might mistake these messages for legitimate notices from other states they’ve visited.

“It is a SCAM. If you ever receive a text that looks suspicious, be sure to never click on it. You don’t want your private information stolen by scammers.”

The FBI is strongly advising Americans to remain vigilant and follow specific protocols if they receive suspicious text messages. Recipients should never click links in these messages or reply to them, even to opt out, as any engagement can increase vulnerability. Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted should report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). For those concerned about legitimate toll charges, the proper course of action is to independently verify any claimed tolls by directly contacting the official toll authority through official channels or visiting their genuine website, accessed through a new browser session rather than following any provided links.

“Scammers want people to panic, not pause”

Sources:

  1. FBI warns of surging road toll text scams
  2. Don’t click on those road toll texts. Officials issue warnings about the smishing scam
  3. Don’t click on those road toll texts. Officials issue warnings about the smishing scam

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