MIDDLE TENNESSEE - A scam making the rounds across Rutherford County, Warren County, and other nearby communities is tricking unsuspecting residents into paying fake toll violation fees. Authorities report that several individuals, particularly those who recently returned from vacations in Florida — where toll roads are common — have fallen victim to the scheme.
The scam typically arrives in the form of a text message on the victim’s cellphone, threatening severe penalties if a supposed unpaid toll balance isn’t paid immediately. Many recipients, assuming the message is legitimate due to recent travels on Florida toll roads, have been duped into making payments.
The message reads:
Toll Violation Notice:
This is your final notice regarding the unpaid toll balance on your account. You must settle the balance within the next 12 hours to avoid severe penalties.
Unpaid Balance: $6.99
Due Date: April 23, 2025
Failure to pay will result in:
Immediate addition of late payment fees
Suspension of your vehicle registration by the DMV
Collection actions and a negative report to your credit file
Pay Now: [scam link in texts or emails]
The message directs victims to a fraudulent link that mimics a legitimate toll agency website, urging quick payment to "protect driving privileges." It even goes so far as to suggest alternate ways to access the link if it fails to open properly, a tactic meant to keep recipients from questioning the message's authenticity.
Authorities want to make it very clear: this is a scam.
Residents are urged not to click any links, not to reply to the message, and not to provide any personal or payment information.
Key signs this is a scam:
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Official agencies like E-ZPass or state toll authorities will never threaten suspension of vehicle registration over a $6.99 balance via text message.
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Government entities typically send official notices through mail, not SMS.
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The link provided does not lead to an official government or toll service website.
If you have received this message, delete it immediately. Anyone who has already clicked the link or submitted payment information is encouraged to contact their bank, monitor accounts for suspicious activity, and report the scam to local law enforcement.
For official toll violation inquiries, always verify through the legitimate toll authority's website or customer service line.
