A new wave of text message scams is targeting consumers across the country — and the messages can look surprisingly legitimate.

The scam typically starts with a text claiming you owe money for an unpaid toll or traffic violation. The message may mention agencies like E-ZPass, FasTrak, SunPass, or local toll systems and often threatens late fees, suspended registration, or other penalties if you don’t pay immediately.

The goal is simple: to steal your personal and financial information.

These “smishing” scams (SMS phishing) often include a fake payment link that leads to a convincing-looking website designed to capture debit card numbers, online banking credentials, passwords, or other sensitive information. In some newer versions, scammers even use QR codes instead of links to make the messages appear more official.

Common Red Flags

Watch for these warning signs:

• Urgent language demanding immediate payment
• Links or QR codes in unsolicited texts
• Messages from unknown or international phone numbers
• Misspellings, unusual website addresses, or generic greetings
• Requests for payment information or banking credentials

How to Protect Yourself

If you receive a suspicious toll text:

• Do not click links or scan QR codes
• Do not reply to the message
• Delete the text and block the sender
• Verify any toll balance directly through the official toll agency website or app
• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity

If You Already Clicked the Link

If you entered payment or banking information:

• Contact NGFCU immediately
• Freeze or replace affected debit or credit cards
• Change passwords tied to financial accounts
• Monitor your credit and account activity closely

Scammers rely on urgency and fear to trick consumers into acting quickly. Taking a moment to pause and verify can help protect your money and personal information.