Home Got a text about an overdue toll charge? It’s likely a scam, according to the DMV
Virginia

Got a text about an overdue toll charge? It’s likely a scam, according to the DMV

Crystal Graham
toll DMV ez pass scam
Image courtesy Virginia DMV

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is alerting customers about a new text scam where fraudsters pose as toll agencies and falsely claim you owe money for unpaid tolls.

In the text message, the scammers tell you to pay a toll to avoid late fees and include a link in the message. Clicking that link could result in your personal information being stolen, making you a victim of this scam, according to the Virginia DMV.

“The DMV will never send you text messages about toll bills,” said Gerald Lackey, DMV commissioner. “We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text.”

For more information on text messages about toll payment, visit www.tollroadsinvirginia.com

Federal Trade Commission: Tips to avoid text scams


  • Don’t click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Support AFP




Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

dan chemotti richmond lacrosse
Etc.

Richmond signs lacrosse coach Dan Chemotti to extension after UVA interest

sports illustrated
Etc.

Back in the day: Sports Illustrated used to be the highlight of my week

A big reason I was attracted to journalism was Sports Illustrated, which is, sadly, hanging on by a thread, with another round of layoffs announced on Friday taking out most of what the once-great magazine has left.

Virginia Tech
Politics, Virginia

Clean Virginia raises issue with Spanberger Virginia Tech BOV appointment

Clean Virginia is trying to tell Gov. Abigail Spanberger that her appointment of the president of Dominion Energy Virginia to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors raises “major ethical concerns” because of issues related to political money.

virginia drought
Virginia

The rain was helpful, but Virginia DEQ says we’re still in a drought

stafford county bus crash
Virginia

Mother, father, two kids identified in deadly bus crash in Stafford County

baseball
Baseball

UVA Baseball: Unprepared ‘Hoos pantsed by Jacksonville State in NCAA opener

woman arrest handcuffs
Local

Waynesboro woman arrested on Albemarle County animal-cruelty charge