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Toll or Ticket Scams

Toll or Ticket Scams

Michiganders are being targeted by several fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls or tickets. These scams are meant to steal personal and financial information. They create a false sense of urgency and impersonate government agencies and private companies.

 

Three Common Versions of a Toll or Ticket Scam

A scanned legal notice from the State of Michigan’s 36th District Court titled “Notice of Civil Infraction Hearing – Toll Violation.” It lists a case number and judge, states that payment for a toll violation has not been received, and cites the violation as “Failure to Pay Toll” under Michigan law. The notice instructs the recipient to appear in person for a hearing or pay the penalty beforehand. It includes the court’s address and phone number, warns of consequences such as default judgment or a bench warrant, and shows a hearing date of March 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Appearing on the right side is the Michigan state seal and the clerk’s signature.

Fake Court Notice

Scammers may send texts that include an image claiming to be a “Notice of Civil Infraction Hearing.” The notice falsely claims to be from a district court.

The message falsely warns that you must appear in person for a hearing or admit responsibility and pay a penalty before the hearing date. The scam also includes a QR code that leads to a deceptive website.

Toll Scam Text reads: "Michigan Department of Transportation Final Reminder: You have an outstanding toll. Your toll account balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay by April 13, 2025. You will be penalized or subject to legal action. Now Payment: https://michigan.gov-etcts.cc/us

Impersonation of Government Agencies

Some scam texts claim to be from government agencies, like the Michigan Department of Transportation or Secretary of State. These texts may demand immediate payment for unpaid tolls or fines. Links in these messages lead to fake websites that look like government pages.

Agencies will not text you to demand money. They will mail you a notice and offer payment options. They will not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app. 

Text message: “E-ZPass final reminder: You have an outstanding toll. Your toll account balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay by March 24, 2025. you will face penalties or legal action."

Fake Messages from Private Companies

Another version of the text may claim you owe money for unpaid tolls to private companies. The fake texts could appear to be from SunPass or E-ZPass.

The message may threaten a late fee if payment is not made immediately. It also includes a fraudulent link made to look official. Private companies do not normally send texts demanding payment. 

 

How to Protect Yourself

Consumers may have received a fake toll scam text if it:

  • Is unsolicited.
  • Is sent from an unusually long phone number (10 or more digits).
  • Includes a link that is likely shortened or scrambled.
  • Is written with a sense of urgency.
  • Contains grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Requests personal or financial information.

Consumers should not reply to these texts or click on links or attachments. Instead, they should use built-in spam-blocking tools on their mobile devices. Consumers can report smishing texts by forwarding them to SPAM (7726) and by sending the texts to the Federal Trade Commission.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team 

P.O. Box 30213 
Lansing, MI 48909 
517-335-7599 
Fax: 517-241-3771 
Toll-free: 877-765-8388 
Online complaint form