Warning: “Unpaid toll” text smishing is surging
Texts claiming you owe a small unpaid road toll and must pay via a link are circulating widely. The link leads to a card-harvesting phishing page.
A high volume of smishing texts impersonating toll operators and road authorities is in circulation. The message claims you have an outstanding toll of a small amount and threaten late fees or penalties unless you pay immediately through a link.
The link leads to a convincing fake payment page that harvests your card details and personal information. The small amount is deliberate — it feels plausible and not worth disputing, so people pay quickly.
Real toll authorities do not demand payment by random text links, and you can always check your account directly through the operator's official website or app.
What to do
- Do not click the link or enter card details
- Check any genuine toll account via the operator's official website or app
- Delete and report the text (forward to 7726 in the UK/US where supported)
- If you entered card details, contact your bank immediately