Baltimore, Maryland – Maryland officials are warning drivers about fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid toll violations, prompting residents to protect personal and financial information.
According to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), scam texts are circulating that falsely claim recipients owe money for using a toll road. The messages instruct individuals to pay immediately or face penalties, sometimes attaching what appears to be an official court summons from the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City.
MDTA stated that Maryland does not send text messages demanding payment for toll debt. Officials emphasized that the messages are designed to obtain credit card numbers, usernames, passwords and other sensitive information.
One version of the scam includes a fabricated court document listing a case number, court date and references to Maryland transportation statutes. The document threatens additional fines or a bench warrant if payment is not made. Authorities say the paperwork is not legitimate.
Residents who receive the messages are advised not to click links, scan QR codes or provide any personal information. The agency is urging anyone targeted by the scam to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Officials also remind drivers that legitimate toll notifications are handled through official billing systems and verified state websites.
With electronic tolling common across Maryland highways and bridges, commuters and young drivers who rely on text alerts may be especially vulnerable to phishing-style scams.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities encourage residents to remain cautious of unsolicited payment demands.
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