05-03-2025
If you got a text about a toll charge, it's likely a scam
RICHMOND (WAVY) – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued a warning this week about a toll charge texting scam.
It's likely you or someone you know got one of these texts.
The message falsely claims you owe money for unpaid tolls. It includes a link, which if you click on could result in your personal information being stolen.
Keith Wheelhouse in Virginia Beach shared an example of what the text looks like. He received this Wednesday.
'The DMV will never send you text messages about toll bills,' said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. 'We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text.'
Back in August, 10 On Your Side reported on VDOT issuing a similar warning about this scam.
This is not just happening in Virginia. The scam is nationwide. The FBI told Nexstar that it received more than 60,000 complaints in 2024 from people reporting text messages about unpaid tolls.
Beware of text messages about unpaid tolls, FBI and state authorities warn
Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid falling for a text scam like this:
Don't click on any links in,or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it's best to stop and check it out.
Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the state's tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text.
Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone's 'report junk' option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you've checked it out and reported it, delete the text.
For more information about Virginia's toll facilities, access to your E-ZPass account, or concerns regarding a text message about toll payment, visit .
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