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Protection guide: Government Impersonation Scams
Related guides: smishing examples · text message phishing · government impersonation · report this scam.
Reported July 2026 — The FTC reports a 40% rise in government imposter scams, driven partly by fake toll-collection texts spoofing programs like EZ-Pass, SunPass, FasTrak, and TxTag during peak summer travel.
How This Scam Works
- Unexpected text: “FINAL NOTICE: Your vehicle has an unpaid toll balance of $6.99. Pay now to avoid a $50 late fee and registration hold.”
- Look-alike link: The URL mimics a real toll agency domain with extra characters (e.g., ez-pass-toll-pay.example).
- Small payment lure: Scammers ask for a tiny amount ($1–$7) to make the charge seem harmless and get your card on file.
- Data theft: The phishing page captures your card, billing address, and sometimes driver’s license details.
- Follow-up fraud: Stolen cards may be used for larger purchases or sold on criminal marketplaces.
Red Flags
- Texts about tolls when you have not driven on a toll road recently
- Threats to suspend vehicle registration within hours
- Payment links instead of directing you to the official agency website
- Generic greetings with no account or license plate details
- Sender is a random short code or unknown number, not your toll provider’s verified channel
What To Do
- Do not click links in unsolicited toll texts
- Check your account by typing the official toll agency URL into your browser — not using the text link
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) on most U.S. carriers
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and file on our Report a Scam form
Remember: ScamReporting.org is an independent awareness platform — not law enforcement. If you entered card details on a phishing site, contact your bank immediately and see our recovery steps.