Throughout the last month, Washingtonians have received text messages regarding unpaid or outstanding tolls from unknown phone numbers claiming to be the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The texts use language that can give the appearance that the messages are to be trusted by providing a link to a Good To Go! link and using language that seems legitimate. The messages also may go on to say things like “You must settle the outstanding balance online within 24 hours using the link below. Failure to pay by the due date will result in immediate fines, escalating late fees, suspension of your vehicle registration through the DMV, potential vehicle impoundment, and aggressive legal actions, including court proceedings with significant financial penalties and possible wage garnishment.”

These scams often go out via text or email. It is important to know that WSDOT does not send out text messages for tolls. WSDOT sends out tolls via mail or through the Good To Go! website where you can see your balance. WSDOT has recommended that if you receive one of these texts, do not click the links and report the text to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. The IC3 has already received over 2,000 reports of these scams.

Here are some tips to avoid scams like these:

• Check/verify the phone number to where the message is coming from.

Some of these “WSDOT” messages have been coming from numbers with dialing code +63 which comes from the Philippines.

• Think before you click.

Messages like these may contain links that appear safe but may be using mirroring software. It is important to remember that you can always sign into your account like you normally would to see if there are any important changes to your account.

• Contact the service directly

You can always contact the customer service or help center at the service claiming you owe money. They should be able to see your account and verify if you owe any money.

• Report and delete

You can always screenshot the message to compare it to other messages, but deleting the message and blocking the number will guarantee that you cannot interact with the number or the links in the message anymore.

You can report scams to the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240412

Protecting yourself from these scams will keep you, your money, and your information safer and more secure.