Washington, D.C. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a new warning on Friday about a growing smishing scam targeting truckers, claiming unpaid tolls from state road authorities. The alert comes after the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 2,000 reports since early March.
The scheme lures drivers with texts that mimic official toll notices, using the same wording across messages. Each text states an “outstanding toll amount” and offers a link that looks like a legitimate state toll website. The links, however, redirect to malicious sites that can download malware or steal personal data. Phone numbers in the messages differ by state, making it hard for drivers to verify authenticity.
According to IC3 data, the scam has affected at least three states, with complaints filed from Illinois, Texas, and Florida. The FBI notes that the messages consistently reference a late fee of $50.00 and an example toll of $12.51. The fraudulent sites use domain names that closely resemble official toll services, such as “myturnpiketollservices.com.” Drivers who click the links risk installing ransomware or phishing software that can compromise their company’s fleet management systems.
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators must be wary of texts that request immediate payment. A single click can expose a driver’s mobile device to malware that captures login credentials for company accounts. Fleet managers should advise crews to verify any toll notice by visiting the actual toll service website or calling the toll office’s public number. Failure to do so may lead to unauthorized charges that can trigger costly disputes with carriers.
Industry Reaction
The trucking community has responded by urging drivers to report suspicious texts to the IC3 and to keep their mobile security software up to date. Several regional carriers have issued internal advisories reminding drivers that official toll notifications will never ask for payment via a text link. The American Trucking Association has highlighted the importance of digital hygiene, noting that cyber threats can derail long-haul schedules and inflate operating costs.
Key Points
- More than 2,000 smishing complaints filed with IC3 since March.
- Messages target toll collection in Illinois, Texas, and Florida.
- Fraudulent links mimic state toll service domains.
- Drivers can avoid malware by verifying toll status through official channels.
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