Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]

Unpaid Toll Scam Texts on the Rise

Posted on 03/06/25

Have you gotten a text recently claiming that you have unpaid tolls? The FBI reports this scam started picking up steam last spring and has exploded in recent months, across Wisconsin and the rest of the nation.

Here's How it Works:
Scammers send a message claiming to be from a Toll Road Agency or authority (for instance, E-ZPass), notifying the recipient they have unpaid tolls. The message may include how much money you owe along with a notice that you must pay immediately to avoid a late fee. The text almost always includes a link for payment.

The link leads to a website that will collect credit card information along with potentially other personally identifying information like Driver's License Number or date of birth.

If you get a text message like this, do not click the link and do not respond to the message. (Responding to random text messages from scammers signals to them that they have found a potential target). Instead, report the message and delete the text.

unpaid tolls examples3 .png

How To Avoid the Road Toll Scam
Don't Click the link. Even if the URL looks legitimate, it's best practice to avoid clicking links in a text, especially if it arrives unannounced & demands urgent action.

Go to the Source. If you're concerned about potentially owing money, the best way to verify it would be to go to the company that operates the tolls. Find their website or call customer service to confirm if the charge is legitimate.

Report The Scam. You can use your phone's "Report Junk" function to remove the message. You can also report fraud to the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency, or to the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.

This story is provided by AARP Wisconsin. Visit the AARP Wisconsin page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide
Notice (8): Undefined index: slug [APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152]

AARP Events for Cantrall

View All AARP Events

image of two AARP membership cards
Last Chance to Save!
New Pricing Coming in 2025.

This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
Don't miss out, join today and save!

Join AARP
Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Contact AARP
Illinois

Facebook icon   Twitter icon   Instagram icon
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]