The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued a warning about fraudulent text messages that falsely claim recipients owe payments for Express Lane tolls or fines. Scammers are sending these texts to trick individuals into providing personal and financial information.

According to CDOT, the agency does not collect toll payments via text messages. Officials urge residents to ignore these messages, refrain from clicking any links, and avoid sharing sensitive details.

How the Scam Works

The fraudulent messages typically state that the recipient has unpaid toll fees and must pay immediately to avoid penalties. These texts include a link directing victims to a fake website that mimics an official government page. The site then asks for credit card details, which scammers can use for identity theft or unauthorized purchases.

CDOT emphasized that all official toll collection is handled through authorized channels, such as the ExpressToll website or mail correspondence.

CDOT’s Official Statement

In response to the scam, CDOT released an official statement:

“SCAM ALERT❗️If you’ve gotten this text or one like it, please know that #Colorado does not collect Express Lanes tolls or fines by text.”

The agency advises residents to report any suspicious messages to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Rising Trend of Toll Scams Nationwide

This scam is part of a growing trend of fake toll collection messages affecting drivers nationwide. Similar frauds have been reported in states such as Florida, Texas, and California.

Cybersecurity experts warn that these schemes are becoming more sophisticated, making it crucial for consumers to verify any toll payment requests through official government websites.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to these scams, CDOT and cybersecurity experts recommend the following precautions:

• Do Not Click Links in Suspicious Messages – Avoid clicking any links in texts that claim to be from CDOT or toll authorities.
• Verify Directly – If you receive a toll payment request, visit the official ExpressToll website or call customer service to confirm any outstanding balances.
• Report the Scam – File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Colorado Attorney General’s Office to help authorities track and stop these fraudulent operations.

Conclusion

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s warning serves as a crucial reminder to stay vigilant against scams. With fraudsters becoming more sophisticated, residents must be cautious when receiving unexpected toll payment requests. By verifying information and reporting scams, the public can help combat these deceptive tactics.

For more details on CDOT’s alert, visit the official Colorado Department of Transportation website.

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