Scammers are at it again, and this time, they’re targeting Ohio drivers with a sneaky text message scheme. If you’ve recently received a text claiming you have an unpaid Ohio Turnpike toll and need to pay up ASAP to avoid late fees, don’t fall for it.
People across Ohio have been getting fraudulent texts demanding payment for supposed overdue tolls.
The messages create a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to pay immediately. But here’s the deal: The Ohio Turnpike will never ask for toll payments via text.
According to turnpike officials, any legitimate unpaid toll notices come through the mail, not your phone. They’ll send up to three invoices before even considering collections.
What to Do If You Get One
If you receive a text about unpaid tolls, ignore it. Do not click on any links, and definitely don’t enter any payment information.
However, there is one exception to be aware of: If your account is more than 90 days overdue, you may hear from Reliant Capital Solutions, LLC, a collection agency working with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. If you get a message from them, call 866-738-3182 before making any payments to confirm it’s legit.
How to Check If You Actually Owe a Toll
If you’re unsure whether you have an outstanding toll, don’t rely on a random text message. Instead, check directly with the Ohio Turnpike:
- Visit OhioTurnpike.org and log into your account
- Call their customer service line at 440-971-2222
If You Have Been Victimized, Here Are Steps To Follow:
- Mobile device owners who receive suspicious tolling text messages should delete
them without clicking on the link. - Anyone who may have clicked on a fraudulent link and provided any personally
identifiable information should immediately contact their bank or credit card provider
to secure their information and financial accounts. - Victims of SMS tolling text scams should file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet
Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and be sure to include the phone number from where
the text originated and the website listed within the text. - Individuals with questions about tolls incurred should check their account using the
toll agency’s legitimate website or contact the toll agency’s customer service phone
number.
Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people, but a little awareness goes a long way. Stay sharp, double-check your toll status, and never pay up just because a text tells you to.
Featured image by formulanone, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
