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Attorney General warns Michigan toll scam to drivers of fake toll texts threatening legal action and seeking personal data through deceptive links.
Toll Text Scam Targets Michigan Drivers With Fake Debt Threats
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is sounding the alarm on a fast-spreading smishing scam aimed at toll road users across the state. In a March 28 consumer alert, Nessel’s office described how scammers are sending fraudulent text messages posing as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The messages claim that the recipient owes unpaid tolls and will face legal action if immediate payment isn’t made.
The text, formatted to mimic an official notice, includes a deceptive link that appears legitimate but is designed to steal personal and financial information. In response, Nessel is reissuing guidance on smishing—a form of phishing that uses SMS messages to lure victims into clicking on harmful links or sharing private data.
Michigan Toll Scam Uses Urgency and Fear to Trick Users
Nessel emphasized that MDOT does not use text messages to collect toll fees or issue final notices.
“The Michigan Department of Transportation will not send you a text message demanding immediate payment for a toll,” Nessel said. “The best response to this scam is to ignore the message and avoid clicking any links or providing any personal information.”
The scam follows a familiar pattern: unsolicited messages sent from unusually long numbers, with links that are shortened or scrambled. The language in the text typically creates a false sense of urgency, sometimes including poor grammar or misspellings.The scam follows a familiar pattern: unsolicited messages sent from unusually long numbers, with shortened or scrambled links. The language in the text typically creates a false sense of urgency, sometimes including poor grammar or misspellings.
Smishing, a form of phishing using SMS, is increasingly common. According to the Federal Trade Commission, smishing scams caused over $330 million in consumer losses in 2023, with many victims unknowingly handing over personal or financial information to bad actors posing as legitimate institutions.
These scams often rely on impersonating trusted organizations—like state agencies—to increase the likelihood of engagement. Scammers aim to instill panic, hoping targets will respond quickly without verifying the message’s legitimacy.
Smishing Scams Like This One on the Rise Across the U.S.
Michigan isn’t alone. Similar fraudulent messages have been reported in multiple states, referencing various toll road systems or private companies.
The scam reflects a larger national trend. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), smishing scams have increased more than 300% since 2021. Financial damages from text message fraud exceeded $330 million in 2023, according to recent FTC data.
Scammers often seek:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account details
- Login credentials
- Mobile payment authorization
What Michigan Residents Should Do If They Receive a Scam Text
Residents are advised to take the following steps if they receive a suspicious text:
- Do not respond or click any links.
- Forward the message to SPAM (7726).
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Use spam filters and fraud alerts on mobile devices.
Nessel reminded residents that legitimate government agencies will not:
- Demand payments by gift card, cryptocurrency, or cash apps.
- Request personal data via text.
- Threaten legal action without prior mailed notification.
Michigan Toll Scam Adds to Growing Consumer Threats
This latest fraud tactic adds to an ongoing list of consumer protection issues being tracked by Michigan’s Consumer Protection Team, based in Lansing. In 2024 alone, the office handled over 8,000 scam-related inquiries, with smishing and identity theft among the most frequently reported.
Consumers seeking help or more information can file a complaint online or call the Attorney General’s toll-free line at 877-765-8388.
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