You receive a text message: "Notice: Unpaid toll or speed camera violation. Outstanding balance of $14.75. Failure to pay by [date] will result in license suspension. Pay at: [link]." This is smishing — SMS phishing — and it's one of the fastest-growing fraud methods targeting drivers.
How the Scam Works
Criminals send mass text messages impersonating government agencies like the DMV, toll authorities (E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak), or municipal parking systems. The small dollar amounts ($5–$50) are deliberately designed to seem legitimate and low-risk enough that victims pay without questioning them.
The link leads to a convincing fake website that harvests your credit card or payment details. Sometimes the site also installs malware.
Red Flags
- Unsolicited text about a fine or toll — legitimate agencies typically use mail for official notices.
- Urgent deadline with threat of license suspension.
- Link that doesn't match the official government agency domain.
- Generic sender number (not a recognizable short code).
- Grammar errors or slightly off language.
What to Do
- Do not click the link in the text message.
- If you want to verify, go directly to your local DMV or toll agency's official website (type it yourself — don't use the link).
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your carrier.
- Block the sender.
Sources: FTC; FBI; NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre).