CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ohio Turnpike toll payment scams are escalating, with fraudulent text messages, known as smishing, flooding residents’ phones, according to the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. These texts, often marked as “final notices,” falsely claim unpaid tolls and threaten hefty fines or license suspension to incite panic.
The Ohio Turnpike emphasizes it never requests payments via text. Despite this, scam texts have surged since April 2024, with a 900% increase in nationwide searches for “road toll scams” over the past three months, CNBC reported. Ohio leads the nation in per capita complaints about scam calls and texts, surpassing Delaware, Illinois, and Arizona, per Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission data.
Why Scams Persist
Fraudsters exploit fear with urgent messages, evading safeguards by Apple and Samsung. Apple’s link-stripping feature is bypassed by hackers, while Android’s spam-listing tool is rendered ineffective as scammers switch numbers frequently, CNBC noted. Other toll systems, including Georgia’s PeachPass, Illinois’ I-PASS, and Florida’s Sun Pass, are also targeted.
Protecting Yourself
The Federal Communications Commission advises:
• Never click links, reply, or call unknown numbers.
• Ignore requests to “text STOP” to end messages.
• Delete suspicious texts.
• Keep device operating systems and security apps updated.
• Install anti-malware software.
• Use multifactor authentication for sensitive accounts.
The Ohio Turnpike issued a March warning about fake texts designed to steal personal and financial information. To verify toll accounts, use the official Ohio Turnpike website or contact customer service directly.
Reporting Scams
The FBI recommends filing complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), including the originating phone number and any website linked in the text. If personal information was shared, secure accounts immediately and dispute unauthorized charges.
Advice for Consumers
Experts urge vigilance. “Pause and verify before acting,” said Mariyam Muhammad, a consumer advocate. “Legitimate toll agencies don’t use texts for payment demands.” Regularly check accounts through official channels and report suspicious texts to the FBI to help curb these scams.
For more information, visit the Ohio Turnpike’s official website or the FCC’s consumer protection page.