The Explosion of Scam Text Messages: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself

Published June 23, 2025

In recent years, scam text messages have become an insidious plague, flooding our phones with fraudulent claims designed to steal personal information, money, or both. From fake package delivery alerts to urgent bank account warnings, these scams are growing in sophistication and frequency. One particularly persistent scam that’s been hitting inboxes lately is the fake road toll scam, where fraudsters claim you owe money for unpaid tolls and demand immediate payment. I’ve received this one multiple times myself, and it’s a perfect example of how scammers exploit everyday scenarios to trick unsuspecting victims. In this article, we’ll dive into the explosion of scam text messages, explore why they’re so prevalent, examine the fake toll scam in detail, and provide actionable steps to protect yourself from falling prey.

The Rise of Scam Text Messages

The proliferation of scam texts, often referred to as “smishing” (SMS phishing), has skyrocketed in the digital age. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported losing $330 million to text message scams in 2022 alone, a figure that has likely grown since. The reasons for this surge are multifaceted:

1. Accessibility of Technology: Scammers can use automated tools to send thousands of texts at once, often spoofing legitimate phone numbers to make their messages appear trustworthy. These tools are cheap and widely available on the dark web.

2. Consumer Trust in Texts: Unlike emails, which many people now scrutinize for phishing attempts, text messages still carry an air of legitimacy. We’re conditioned to receive texts from banks, delivery services, or government agencies, making us more likely to trust a message without questioning it.

3. Exploiting Current Events: Scammers are adept at tailoring their messages to real-world scenarios. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, texts offering fake testing kits or vaccine appointments were rampant. Similarly, the fake toll scam capitalizes on the widespread use of electronic toll systems like E-ZPass or SunPass.

4. Data Breaches: With countless data breaches exposing phone numbers and personal details, scammers have a treasure trove of information to personalize their attacks, making texts seem more convincing.

The result is a deluge of fraudulent texts that catch even the savviest individuals off guard. The fake toll scam, in particular, has become a poster child for how scammers blend plausibility with urgency to exploit victims.

The Fake Toll Scam: A Case Study

If you’ve received a text claiming you owe money for an unpaid road toll, you’re not alone. These messages typically read something like: “Urgent: You owe $12.75 for unpaid tolls. Pay now at [link] to avoid a $50 fine.” The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your credit card information or install malware on your device. Here’s why this scam is so effective:

• Plausibility: Many drivers use toll roads, and electronic toll systems are common across the U.S. Even if you don’t recall a specific trip, the idea of an unpaid toll seems plausible enough to warrant a second look.

• Urgency: The threat of a hefty fine or legal action creates a sense of panic, prompting victims to act quickly without verifying the claim.

• Spoofing Legitimacy: Scammers often mimic the names of real toll authorities, like E-ZPass or FasTrak, and use professional-looking websites to bolster their credibility.

• Personalization: If your name or a partial license plate number appears in the text, it’s likely because scammers purchased your data from a breach or scraped it from public records.

I’ve received this scam text multiple times, each one slightly different but with the same core tactic: a demand for payment and a link to a dubious website. The first time, I almost clicked the link out of curiosity, but a quick check with my state’s official toll authority confirmed it was a fraud. This experience underscores how even a moment of doubt can draw you into a scammer’s trap.

Other Common Scam Text Variants

While the toll scam is prevalent, it’s just one of many smishing tactics. Here are other common scams to watch for:

• Package Delivery Scams: Texts claiming a package is delayed or requires a small fee for delivery, often linked to fake tracking sites.

• Bank Fraud Alerts: Messages alleging suspicious activity on your account, urging you to call a number or click a link to “secure” your funds.

• Government Impersonation: Texts posing as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or other agencies, demanding payment for alleged debts or offering fake refunds.

• Tech Support Scams: Alerts claiming your device has a virus, with a link to download “security software” that’s actually malware.

Each of these scams relies on the same principles: creating urgency, exploiting trust, and directing victims to malicious links or phone numbers.

How to Spot a Scam Text

Identifying a scam text requires a keen eye and a healthy dose of skepticism. Here are red flags to watch for:

1. Unsolicited Messages: If you didn’t initiate contact, be wary. Legitimate companies rarely send unsolicited texts demanding immediate action.

2. Urgency or Threats: Scammers often use phrases like “act now” or “avoid penalties” to pressure you into reacting without thinking.

3. Suspicious Links: Hover over links (if possible) to check the URL, or avoid clicking altogether. Legitimate organizations use recognizable domains, not random strings of characters.

4. Grammatical Errors: While some scams are polished, many contain typos or awkward phrasing that hint at their illegitimacy.

5. Requests for Sensitive Information: No legitimate entity will ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords via text.

6. Unknown Numbers: Even if the number looks local, scammers can spoof it. Verify the sender through official channels.

In the case of the toll scam, a quick call to your state’s toll authority or a visit to their official website can confirm whether you owe anything. Never use the contact details provided in the text itself.

What to Do If You Receive a Scam Text

If a suspicious text lands in your inbox, follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Don’t Respond or Click: Replying, even to say “stop,” confirms your number is active, potentially leading to more scams. Clicking links can install malware or steal your data.

2. Block the Number: Most phones allow you to block numbers directly from the message. Note that scammers often switch numbers, so this isn’t foolproof.

3. Report the Scam: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier. You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

4. Verify Independently: If the text claims to be from a legitimate organization, contact them directly using a verified phone number or website, not the details in the message.

5. Monitor Your Accounts: If you clicked a link or shared information, check your bank accounts, credit cards, and credit reports for unauthorized activity. Place a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus if needed.

6. Enable Spam Filters: Many smartphones and carriers offer spam filters for texts. Activate these in your settings to reduce unwanted messages.

Long-Term Strategies to Stay Safe

Preventing scam texts requires proactive measures to minimize your exposure:

• Limit Data Sharing: Be cautious about sharing your phone number online or with businesses. Opt out of marketing lists when possible.

• Use Two-Factor Authentication: Secure your accounts with 2FA to add a layer of protection if scammers obtain your number.

• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about new scams through resources like the FTC’s consumer alerts or posts on X. Share this knowledge with friends and family, especially older adults who are frequent targets.

• Consider Third-Party Apps: Apps like RoboKiller or Nomorobo can block known scam numbers, though some require a subscription.

• Freeze Your Credit: If you’re concerned about identity theft, consider freezing your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

The Bigger Picture: Why Scam Texts Persist

The explosion of scam texts isn’t just a technological problem—it’s a societal one. As long as scammers can profit with minimal risk, these attacks will continue. Law enforcement agencies are cracking down, with the FBI and FTC collaborating to shut down major smishing operations, but the global nature of these crimes makes prosecution difficult. Many scammers operate overseas, beyond the reach of U.S. authorities.

On the policy front, efforts like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) aim to curb unwanted texts, but enforcement lags behind the rapid evolution of scam tactics. Carriers are also implementing stronger anti-spoofing measures, but these are still in early stages. For now, individual vigilance remains the best defense.

Conclusion: Stay Skeptical, Stay Safe

The explosion of scam text messages, from fake toll scams to fraudulent bank alerts, shows no signs of slowing down. These messages prey on our trust, urgency, and familiarity with everyday services, making them a formidable threat. My own encounters with the toll scam reminded me how easy it is to hesitate for just a moment—long enough for a scammer to exploit. By learning to spot red flags, taking immediate action when scams appear, and adopting long-term protective measures, you can significantly reduce your risk.

The next time a text claims you owe for a toll or warns of a package issue, pause. Verify. Protect yourself. In a world where scammers are just a click away, skepticism is your strongest shield.

Your Opinion? Let us know!

We’re here to help you enhance your life with AI.