E-ZPass text scam: is that unpaid-toll message real?
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. The illustrated toll message uses a look-alike payment route and a rushed threat. Verify the toll with the actual operator before paying.
Exhibit · Text message
Other versions you might get: The same message under FasTrak, SunPass, TxTag, or “The Toll Roads,” a “final notice,” or a citation number cited to look official. It's the E-ZPass-branded version of the nationwide unpaid toll text scam.
Reported versions of this message
Each source below documented a text. Web addresses are defanged, and identifying values may be redacted; the remaining wording follows the source. Similar wording is a reason to check independently, not proof that two messages came from the same sender.
“You have an outstanding toll. Your toll account balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay by March 13, 2025. you will face penalties or legal action.”
Documented by Asbury Park Press (via Yahoo News) · March 2025 “Final Reminder: You owe an outstanding toll. Pay by March 31 to avoid additional fees or legal action.”
Documented by WTOP News · March 2025 “E-ZPass final reminder: You have an outstanding toll[.]Your toll account balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay by March 16, 2025. you will face penalties or legal action. Now Payment: (Scammer website link) (Please reply Y, then exit the SMS and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it) Please settle your toll immediately after reading this message to avoid penalties for delaying the payment. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Documented by Reddit r/Scams · March 2025 “Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Important Notice Your toll payment for E-ZPass Lane must be settled by Apr 22, 2025. To avoid fines and the suspension of your driving privileges, kindly pay by the due date. Pay here: [insert link here] (Please reply with \"Y,\" then exit the text message. Open it again, click the link, or copy it into your Safari browser and open it.)”
Documented by Reddit r/Scams · April 2025
What to do right now
- Don't tap the link or enter card details. Don't reply — even “STOP” confirms your number is live.
- Check independently. Use your actual E-ZPass operator’s official site or the number on your own statement. Confirm the vehicle, date, route, and balance, and ask the operator if a charge is not visible.
- If you already paid on the link: call your bank to freeze or replace the card and dispute the charge, including any small “verification” amount. Watch for a follow-up “refund” text — that's round two.
- Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's ic3.gov.
- Delete the message.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Do not use the message’s link to check the claim. Open the real service yourself. If you paid or shared account details, start with what to do after a scam. Blocking and reporting can reduce unwanted contact, but they cannot stop every attempt or tell you how the sender found you.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
Is the E-ZPass “unpaid toll” text a scam?
Why did I get an E-ZPass text if I don't have E-ZPass or drive toll roads?
I paid the E-ZPass link with my card — what should I do now?
How do I check a real E-ZPass toll balance?
Related scams
Unpaid toll text scam: is that E-ZPass message real?
Got a text about an unpaid toll, a small balance due, or a late fee from E-ZPass, TxTag, or FasTrak? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
SunPass text scam: is that unpaid-toll message real?
Got a text from “SunPass” about an unpaid toll balance and a link to pay? SunPass doesn't text payment links. Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
DMV scam text: that overdue-ticket message is fake
Got a text about an overdue traffic ticket, a DMV final notice, or a license suspension with a link to pay? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
FasTrak text scam: is that unpaid-toll message real?
Got a text from FasTrak about an unpaid toll, a late fee, or a hold on your registration? FasTrak doesn't text payment links. Here's what to do.
Sources
- 01Toll smishing scam (PSA)— FBI IC3
- 02Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam— Federal Trade Commission
- 03How to recognize and report spam text messages— Federal Trade Commission
- 04Official security and fraud guidance— sunpass.com
- 05Official security and fraud guidance— e-zpassny.com
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.