Ohio Toll Scam Alert: How to Protect Yourself from Unpaid Toll Text Message Scams
Columbus, OH – A common scam targeting Ohio residents is making the rounds again, and many Ohioans are now receiving text messages claiming they have unpaid road tolls. These texts often threaten legal action or penalties if the tolls aren’t paid immediately, and some even contain links to fraudulent payment websites.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers are trying to steal both payment and personal information from unsuspecting Ohioans.
Why Are These Toll Scams Happening?
In April 2024, the Ohio Turnpike introduced a new open road tolling system with E-ZPass, which allows drivers to pass through tolls without stopping. While this system has made travel more convenient, it has also led to an increase in scam messages targeting Ohio drivers.
In August 2024, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission issued a warning about these toll-related scams. To help drivers adjust to the new toll system, a grace period was given, during which late fees, collections, and vehicle registration holds were suspended. However, that grace period ended in February 2025. As of February 3, the Ohio Turnpike began charging late fees for unpaid tolls, and starting February 10, unpaid tolls were forwarded to the Ohio Attorney General’s office for collection.
Important to note: Unpaid toll notices are always sent by mail, not via text. However, Reliant Capital Solutions, LLC, a debt collector for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, may send texts regarding unpaid tolls, making it harder for people to differentiate between legitimate messages and scams.
How to Avoid Falling for Toll Scams
If you receive a text about unpaid toll debt, follow these steps to protect yourself, as recommended by the FTC:
- Do Not Click on Links or Respond to Unsolicited Texts: Scammers create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action. Take your time to verify the message.
- Verify the Legitimacy of the Message: Use trusted contact information from official websites to confirm the message is real. The Ohio Turnpike website is www.ohioturnpike.org, and their E-ZPass site is www.ezpassoh.com. The Ohio Turnpike’s customer service number is (440) 971-2222.
- Report and Delete Scam Messages: If you receive a fraudulent text, report it using your phone’s “report junk” feature or forward it to 7726 (SPAM). After reporting, delete the text.
- What to Do if You’ve Fallen Victim to a Toll Scam: If you’ve clicked on a scam link or made a payment, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Be sure to include the phone number and website listed in the fraudulent message. If personal or financial information has been compromised, secure your accounts immediately and dispute any unauthorized charges.
By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can protect yourself from toll-related scams and avoid financial losses.
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