Toll scammers are now asking for less money; here's why that makes them more dangerous
Scammers send fake texts, emails, or mail about unpaid tolls and ask you to pay small amounts like 99 cents. They use these tiny charges to confirm your phone number works so they can target you with bigger scams later.
How it works
You receive a text, email, or piece of mail claiming you owe a small toll fee or have a fraudulent charge on your account. The message may look official and include a state seal or government language. They ask you to pay 99 cents or a similar small amount to verify your account or dispute the charge. Once you pay, they know your phone number and payment method are active and sell that info or use it to launch larger fraud.
Red flags to watch for
- Unexpected text or email about tolls you don't remember using
- Message includes official-looking seals, logos, or government language
- They ask you to pay a very small amount like 99 cents
- Urgent language warning about fraudulent charges on your account
- Links in the message or requests to click a button to verify or dispute
What to do
Do not click any links or pay any amount, even if it seems tiny. If you use tolls, call the toll agency directly using the phone number on your bill or their official website to check your account. Report the text or email to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
If this reached you
Source: KOAA NBC5 Colorado Springs . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.