UDOT

Scammers are using text, phone calls to mislead Utahns

The Utah Department of Transportation is warning citizens about a new tolling scam that claims motorists have an unpaid balance. Scammers are using text messages that appear to be automated, as well as live phone calls, claiming to be directly from UDOT to mislead Utahns. 

Since yesterday, UDOT has received hundreds of inquiries asking about the validity of the texts and calls. 

“Even I received a scam call today, and when I told them ‘I work for the Utah Department of Transportation and we don’t do this,’ the guy immediately hung up,” UDOT Area Supervisor Jake Brown said. “My wife and several of her coworkers were also targeted, but fortunately didn’t fall for it.”

UDOT does not send texts or make phone calls to collect tolling fees, and urges anyone that receives a message about an outstanding toll balance to not provide any payment information. If you receive a text, do not click on the link and block the sender. If you receive a phone call, hang up and block the caller. 

While each scam call or text message may vary, several user-submitted reports show that the scammers are often: 

• Using UDOT’s full name
• Claiming the recipient has an outstanding toll that will result in legal action
• Urging the fine must be paid quickly 
• Inserting a link that has “utah.gov” included in it

An example of a scam text from today can be seen here. If you have mistakenly provided payment, please immediately contact your credit card company or bank. 

You can report scams and suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission.

Express Pass customers may contact our customer service center toll free at 855-813-9127 or visit expresspass.utah.gov for any questions regarding their account.