Ohio (Thechieftainspear) – Authorities are cautioning Ohio residents about a resurfacing text scam targeting drivers with fake unpaid toll payment requests. The Ohio Turnpike and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Greater Cleveland have both issued alerts after a wave of fraudulent messages began circulating once again, tricking people into sharing sensitive financial details.
How the Scam Works
Scammers send text messages claiming the recipient has an overdue toll balance and must pay immediately through a provided link. However, these messages do not come from legitimate toll agencies and instead lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and payment information.
According to a spokesperson for the Ohio Turnpike, there has been a sharp increase in reports from concerned residents who have received these deceptive texts.
Official Statement: No Toll Bills Via Text
In response to the scam, Ohio Turnpike officials reiterated that they never send toll invoices via text message. Instead, unpaid tolls are always billed through U.S. Mail, with customers receiving up to three notices if a payment is due.
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“If you get a text message claiming you owe toll fees, do not engage or click any links,” the agency advised. “This is part of an ongoing scam targeting drivers across the country.”
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Text
Officials urge recipients of these fake toll messages to take immediate action:
✅ Delete the message without clicking any links.
✅ Block the sender to prevent further contact.
✅ Avoid responding, as engaging with scammers may confirm your number is active.
✅ Monitor financial accounts if you mistakenly entered personal details.
✅ Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Those who have legitimate questions about toll payments should check their official E-ZPass account by visiting trusted websites like www.ezpassoh.com or www.ohioturnpike.org. Customers can also contact Ohio Turnpike Customer Service at 440-971-2222 for verification.
How to Stay Safe from Texting Scams
The BBB also offered additional tips to protect yourself from fraudulent messages:
🔹 Be skeptical of urgent payment demands. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly.
🔹 Never click unknown links. If a message seems suspicious, visit the company’s official website directly instead of following a texted link.
🔹 Use scam reporting tools. Report toll-related scams to the BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others.
🔹 Enable spam filters. Your phone may have settings to filter and block messages from unknown or suspicious numbers.
With texting scams on the rise, Ohio officials remind residents to stay vigilant and double-check any unexpected messages claiming to be from toll collection agencies .
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