Baltimore, MD – Maryland transportation officials are warning residents about a surge in scam text messages falsely claiming drivers owe money for unpaid tolls, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The alert comes as reports increase across Baltimore City and Baltimore County of individuals receiving fraudulent messages designed to mimic official notices. The messages often demand immediate payment and threaten enforcement action if ignored.
According to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), the scam texts claim recipients have outstanding toll debt and instruct them to click links or provide personal and financial information. Officials emphasized that Maryland does not send text messages requesting toll payments or sensitive details such as credit card numbers, usernames, or passwords.
Authorities say the messages are part of a broader phishing scheme aimed at stealing personal data. The texts may appear convincing, sometimes including official-looking language or references to enforcement actions, but officials stress they are not legitimate.
MDTA officials are urging anyone who receives such a message to avoid clicking any links and to delete the text immediately. Residents are also encouraged to report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
The warning serves as a reminder for drivers to verify any toll-related charges through official channels, such as the MDTA website or customer service lines. Officials continue to monitor the situation and work with law enforcement partners to address the issue.
As scam tactics evolve, transportation authorities say public awareness remains the best defense against falling victim to fraudulent schemes targeting Maryland drivers.
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