Beware Of Overdue Toll Scam

DATCP is alerting consumers to an influx of scam text messages claiming to come from a tolling agency collecting overdue fees.

Overdue toll text scammers appear to be targeting Wisconsin consumers with “final reminder” messages. These messages that say they are from E-ZPass or the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The messages include a link to pay outstanding balances right away to avoid penalties and legal actions. If opened, the link leads to a website. The website is an imposter toll payment portal that looks legitimate but is controlled by a scammer.

What To Do

• Slow down. There is no need to rush to click on links or respond to the text. Scammers
  want to scare consumers into reacting quickly before they get a chance to pause and
  consider the possibility of a scam.
• Check with the tolling agency directly if they have recently traveled in a tolling area
  and are concerned they may owe toll fees. Consumers should contact the state’s tolling
  agency. Do this by using a legitimate phone number or website, avoiding using any contact
  information provided by the suspicious text message.
• Avoid engaging with the message – report it and delete it. Unwanted messages are
  often sent by scammers. The best way to prevent a scam is to avoid interacting with it
  entirely.
  

Paying a scammer could result in consumers losing their money or scammers accessing their personal information. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious calls, texts, and phone numbers to their service provider. Doing so using their smartphone’s built-in reporting options. For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or [email protected].