Are you sure that you owe a toll fee after all?

Consumers need to be aware of an influx of scam text messages, claiming to come from a tolling agency collecting overdue fees. Overdue toll text scammers appear to target Wisconsin consumers, with “final reminder” messages that say they are from E-ZPass or the WisDOT.

The messages include a link to pay outstanding balances right away, to avoid penalties and legal actions. If opened, the link leads to a website, which is an imposter toll payment portal, that looks legitimate, but is controlled by a scammer.

Wisconsin consumers should be wary of emails or messages that don’t seem true; for example, Wisconsin does not have tolls.

To avoid text scams about fake overdue toll fees, consumers should slow down. There is no need to rush to click on links or respond to the text. Scammers want to scare consumers into reacting quickly, before they get a chance to pause and consider the possibility of a scam.

Check with the tolling agency directly, if recently traveling in a tolling area and if there’s any concern about owing toll fees. Consumers should contact the state’s tolling agency, using a legitimate phone number or website, and avoiding using any contact information provided by the suspicious text message.

Avoid engaging with the message – report it and delete it. Unwanted messages are often sent by scammers. The best way to prevent a scam, is to avoid interacting with it entirely.

Paying a scammer could result in consumers losing their money or scammers accessing their personal information. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious calls, texts and phone numbers to their service provider, using their smartphone’s built-in reporting options.