The ExpressToll system is used almost all around the world, use to collect toll fees from vehicles. In Colorado, there are multiple express ways, located on E-470, Northwest Parkway, and CDOT’s Express Lanes.

Recently, there have been scams going around with the ExpressToll. There have been people getting text messages saying that they have an unpaid balance that they must pay for. The question was raised about whether or not it was a scam, but it is and has been spreading more.

This toll way fee scam is designed to steal peoples personal and financial information by acting as an actual payment that must be completed.

The data will ask people for things like their name, address, driver’s license number, and credit card details. If anyone were to give these scammers their information, it could be used for identity theft and financial fraud.

For anyone that thinks their information has been stolen, using things involving a credit card, bank account number or personal information, people are able to go to a website that can help contact a bank or credit card company to report the incident and cancel the credit card.

These text messages will also include a link that looks like a safe website. This website mimics legitimate toll agencies, showing the balance that needs to be paid.

The texts will use some kind of language that creates a sense of urgency, threatening fines or suspended driving privileges. Also, saying things like there will be legal consequences that will happen if the fines don’t get paid in a few days or a few hours, etc.

Actual toll fees will normally come in the mail, as a small note letting the driver know of the fees. These fees will not be sent as a text.

How to stay safe from the scams:

• Never click on links that seem suspicious, especially when they are saying that money is owed. That is how they are able to take information without people knowing.
• If someone is not sure if it is a real scam, they can contact the toll agency directly to verify its authenticity and to see if it’s legit so money and information is not stolen.
• The best way is to usually never respond. When people receive these messages from an unknown number, it’s best to never reply to them and just block and delete their number so no more texts are sent.
• Calling the customer service center and checking if the validity of the text message or email to the tolling agency’s official website is helpful
• Reporting scam texts to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and then deleting the number.