Android, iPhone users need to be alert as the number of these dangerous texts sent has risen 604%
Over the last few weeks I have seen an increase in the number of texts sent to me that accuse me of failing to pay a toll. I've ignored them and so should you. Last month we told you that the U.S. government was warning iPhone and Android users to delete these texts and now the cops are also issuing a similar warning. These bogus texts usually say that you failed to pay a small toll fee, usually in the $4 to $9 range. The text mentions a $50 late fee and warns that additional and higher late fees will be added if payment is not received soon.
Most people immediately freak out at the amount of the late fee and head straight to their wallet or purse to make the payment to stop the threat of higher and higher late fees. But paying the first $55-$70 is the least of your problems if you don't delete these texts right away as authorities recommend. If you make the tragic decision to pay the toll, you'll be asked to tap on a link to access a payments page.
What an unpaid toll-fee scam text looks like. | Image credit-Guardio
On this page, you will type in credit card info and other personal information including passwords and social security numbers. Many people will fill out this data and send it to the scammers because these guys have become so adept at knowing what to write to get you to respond immediately providing them with all of the information they need to access your personal accounts and wipe you out.
The number of unpaid toll-fee scam texts sent has been rising since the start of 2025. | Image credit-Guardio
Cops say that iPhone and Android users should delete and report every text received. That probably doesn't account for texts from friends, family, and people you know, but you should never tap on a link to give up personal data including birthdays, account numbers, passwords, stock holdings and information about your phone including its unique IMEI number. Most companies will not send you a text requesting your personal information.
According to cybersecurity firm Guardio, since the start of 2025 the number of unpaid toll-fee scam texts has risen an incredible 604%. Sequentially, the number of such texts sent in the first week of this month rose 98%. If you do receive such a text and worry whether it is real, call the toll agency using a different phone number than the one listed on the text and have them confirm the amount you owe, if any.
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Things that are NOT allowed: