Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal personal information and money, and their latest trick involves fake unpaid toll text messages. Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you could receive a fraudulent text claiming you owe money—but don’t fall for it!

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to keeping our members informed and protected. Here’s what you need to know about this scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are impersonating toll agencies, sending texts that:
🔹 Claim you owe money for an unpaid toll.
🔹 Show a specific dollar amount and a link for payment.
🔹 Urge you to act immediately to avoid penalties.

If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a fake payment page that asks for your bank or credit card information. But here’s the catch—it’s a phishing scam designed to steal your money and personal details, including your driver’s license number. In some cases, scammers can even use this information for identity theft.

 
How to Protect Yourself
 

To avoid falling victim to this scam, follow these important steps:

✔️ Don’t Click on Links in Unsolicited Texts. Scammers want you to react quickly without thinking. Always pause and verify before taking action.

✔️ Check for Legitimacy. If you think the toll message might be real, don’t use the link in the text. Instead, go directly to the tolling agency’s official website or call a verified phone number.

✔️ Report and Delete Suspicious Messages. Most smartphones allow you to report spam texts. You can also forward the scam message to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier. Once you’ve done that, delete the text to avoid accidental clicks.

 
Stay Safe & Stay Informed
 

Protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. If you receive a suspicious message about unpaid tolls—or any unexpected request for payment—trust your instincts and verify before taking action.

And remember, Ozark FCU is always here to help keep your finances secure.

Have questions or concerns? Contact us today!