{"id":330253,"date":"2025-03-08T17:24:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-08T17:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=330253"},"modified":"2025-03-10T14:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T14:09:22","slug":"vdot-outstanding-toll-text-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/vdot-outstanding-toll-text-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text Scam &#8211; What You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cruising Virginia\u2019s highways and HOV lanes is supposed to be smooth riding. But some digital thieves aim to run drivers off the road with a fraudulent \u201coutstanding toll\u201d text scam.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2006390449\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This deception starts with a message stating the recipient owes VDOT toll money. To avoid penalties, it tells them to click a link and pay immediately. However, it\u2019s a sneaky fraud attempting to steal personal data and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading and I\u2019ll fully expose this VDOT toll scam &#8211; how it tricks Virginians and most importantly, how to take the right exit to avoid this hazard.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad274320962\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"579\" height=\"848\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VDOT.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-330254\" style=\"width:419px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VDOT.jpg 579w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VDOT-205x300.jpg 205w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2367078543\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of the VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This toll payment scam starts with an unsolicited SMS message sent to victims\u2019 mobile phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It claims the recipient has unpaid VDOT toll fees on their account. If not paid promptly by clicking a link, it threatens mounting late fees and penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the texts don\u2019t actually originate from any official Virginia toll authority. They are fraudulent messages crafted by scammers to deceive the public and seize personal information and money.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad255346415\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some key facts about this VDOT scam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Messages spoof real VDOT numbers but cannot be verified.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applies pressure with phony threats of penalties for urgent payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Directs victims to sophisticated fake VDOT websites controlled by scammers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collects sensitive data and payment info for identity theft and unauthorized charges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Results in drained accounts, maxed cards, and extensive identity theft destruction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This scam started spreading widely across Virginia in 2022 as more drivers adopted E-ZPass. With HOV lanes, tunnels, and bridges relied upon by countless commuters and travelers, this fraud jeopardizes many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But understanding the deceitful tactics is key to avoiding this \u201coutstanding toll\u201d trap, keeping your identity and money secure.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1285861475\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad847157427\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Scam Operates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an in-depth look at how the scammers execute this VDOT toll scam play-by-play:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Victims Receive Unsolicited Texts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam starts with a text message sent to the victim\u2019s mobile phone, pretending to be from VDOT billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sample message states:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1059432418\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cVDOT &#8211; Our records indicate you have unpaid tolls totaling $4.25. Pay now to avoid penalties: [Scam web link]\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The number looks like it could be legitimate. But it\u2019s spoofed and untraceable, not actually tied to any Virginia toll agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Threats of Consequences for Non-Payment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VDOT texts threaten punishments like fines, DMV registration holds, or legal action if the fabricated outstanding toll balance isn\u2019t paid immediately.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4063382696\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These intimidation tactics create urgency to click the link and pay without evaluating the validity of the messages. But the threats are completely fictional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Fake VDOT Links Included<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam texts conveniently include a link supposedly to pay the invented toll debts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the link leads to sophisticated phishing sites impersonating the real VDOT website. The fakes mimic \u201c.gov\u201d sites remarkably well to seem authentic.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad529054174\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Personal and Payment Information Stolen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the phony sites, victims are prompted to log into their account to settle the fake toll charges. By doing so, they surrender account usernames, passwords, and payment details the scammers instantly steal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Accounts Looted and Identities Stolen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the stolen financial information, scammers drain bank accounts, take out cash advances, and run up credit card charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, personal data enables them to open fraudulent credit cards and accounts in the victim\u2019s name. Their entire identity is hijacked.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4259434992\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recovering from the identity theft destruction can take victims years of effort and headaches. But the privacy violation can impact them for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3246984961\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do If You Get a VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you receive a suspicious text demanding VDOT toll payment, take these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t click<\/strong> on any links in texts &#8211; they likely go to convincing fake scam sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t call<\/strong> any phone numbers in texts &#8211; they cannot be trusted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t reply<\/strong> to the text at all. Scammers may verify an active number this way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t provide information<\/strong> if you followed a link before realizing the scam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take screenshots<\/strong> of the text message and site as proof of fraud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Double check<\/strong> online that the text matches confirmed VDOT scams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check your account<\/strong> directly through the official VDOT website or app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contact VDOT<\/strong> to report the scam text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitor statements<\/strong> for any fraudulent charges from scammers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider blocking<\/strong> the phone number to prevent more scam texts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2411891299\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Avoid Falling Victim to The VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some tips for Virginians to steer clear of fraudulent VDOT texts demanding payment:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4060439509\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6594472392\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Remember VDOT doesn\u2019t text first.<\/strong> Legit notices come by mail before any threats made.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Watch for bad grammar\/spelling.<\/strong> Scam texts often contain errors an official message wouldn\u2019t.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Verify the phone number.<\/strong> Search online to confirm texts come from VDOT if unsure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Never click text links.<\/strong> Manually type the official VDOT.Virginia.gov URL or use your E-ZPass app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disregard unrealistic threats.<\/strong> No agency imposes instant fees or DMV holds over a minor toll debt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t \u201cupdate\u201d account via text.<\/strong> VDOT won\u2019t request sensitive info over text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Setup account alerts.<\/strong> Get notifications from VDOT for any legitimate toll activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check statements routinely<\/strong> for any unauthorized charges from scammers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1487988367\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line \u2013 Don\u2019t Get Scammed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This VDOT \u201coutstanding toll\u201d text scam highlights why Virginia drivers must stay vigilant against toll tricks. Verify texts claiming you owe tolls directly with VDOT before trusting links or data requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never let urgency or threats sway you. VDOT only mails paper invoices for real debts &#8211; they won\u2019t text or call out of the blue. Take screenshots of any shady texts and report them ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With prudence, Virginians can detect text toll scams, protect identities and money, and continue securely navigating the state\u2019s HOV lanes and tolled tunnels using an E-ZPass. Don\u2019t let scam texts run you off your route.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1956497487\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360583-ad_309691-placement_360774\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8849826992\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs About the VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text Scam<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still have questions about the VDOT toll scam text? Here are answers to some common questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What exactly is the VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d scam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2931734305\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360584-ad_309691-placement_360775\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3952847241\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a scam where scammers send fake texts claiming you owe VDOT unpaid tolls. The texts threaten penalties to get you to click phishing links and input your personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who really sends the VDOT scam texts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They come from scammers pretending to be VDOT, not any official Virginia toll authority. The number is usually spoofed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What threats do the scam texts make?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They often threaten escalating late fees, DMV registration holds, collections referral, or legal action if you don\u2019t pay right away. But these are lies to trick you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What\u2019s the purpose of the link in the texts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The link goes to a fake VDOT site impersonating the real one. There, scammers try to capture your personal and payment details to steal your identity and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What should I do if I get a text about VDOT tolls owed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t click any links, provide info, call back, or reply. Check your E-ZPass account directly through the official VDOT website or app. Report the scam text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How can I avoid falling for VDOT toll scams?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember real VDOT only mails a notice first. Never click links or provide data in texts. Ignore threats demanding immediate payment. Routinely check statements for any fraudulent charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who can I contact to report scam texts impersonating VDOT?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can alert VDOT directly, the Virginia AG, FTC, and your phone carrier to help warn others and shut down the scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3343010655\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recognizing VDOT Toll Scam Text Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How can you discern real VDOT messages from scam texts aiming to deceive you? Here are some common red flags:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Originates from an unknown number, not VDOT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contains threats of instant fees or DMV holds for not paying quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pressures urgency to pay by clicking a provided link.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has typos, grammatical errors, or repetitive phrasing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requests personal information be entered on a site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Link goes to a suspicious domain (like \u201c.xin\u201d), not VDOT.Virginia.gov.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Site at link looks slightly different from the official VDOT site.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cruising Virginia\u2019s highways and HOV lanes is supposed to be smooth riding. But some digital thieves aim to run drivers off the road with a fraudulent \u201coutstanding toll\u201d text scam. This deception starts with a &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text Scam &#8211; What You Need To Know\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/vdot-outstanding-toll-text-scam\/#more-330253\" aria-label=\"Read more about VDOT \u201cOutstanding Toll\u201d Text Scam &#8211; What You Need To Know\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":330254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-330253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=330253"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330253\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/330254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=330253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=330253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=330253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}