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Scam library

Fake toll and delivery texts

A text says you owe a small toll or shipping fee, and the link steals your card details.

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How much people are talking about "toll text scam" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.

What it looks like

Toll Services: You have an unpaid toll balance of $6.99. Pay by today to avoid a $50 late fee and license suspension: tollpay-example.com
USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update within 24 hours: usps-redelivery.example.com
Your parcel could not be delivered. Reply Y, then exit and reopen this message to activate the link.

How it works

Mass texts claim you owe a few dollars for a toll or a package. The link opens a copy of a real-looking site that asks for your name, address and card number. Then they use or sell the card, and sometimes ask for the code your bank texts you so they can add your card to their own phone wallet.

Warning signs

  • A small amount with a big threat, like a fine or license suspension
  • The link is not the official agency or carrier website
  • It asks you to reply Y so the link becomes clickable
  • You did not drive a toll road or are not expecting a package
  • It comes from an email address or an unknown international number
If you got one of these
  1. Do not tap the link. Check by going to the toll agency or carrier site yourself, or the app you already use.
  2. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your carrier, then delete it.
  3. Use your phone's built-in Report Junk or block option.
  4. Never read back a code your bank sends you. That code is how they take over the card.
If you already paid or shared something
  1. Call your card's fraud number on the back of the card. Ask to cancel the card and dispute the charge.
  2. If you shared a one-time code, tell the bank. Your card may have been added to someone else's phone wallet.
  3. Watch your statements for small test charges in the next few weeks.
  4. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Who gets targeted

Everyone with a phone. These go out by the millions to random numbers.

Also read: Is this text about a package or unpaid toll real?

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