UDOT

Scammers are using text, phone calls to mislead Utahns

SALT LAKE CITY (May 23, 2025) — The Utah Department of Transportation is warning citizens about a revamped 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. 

The scam first gained notoriety earlier this year, but in recent days the aggressive spam attacks have ramped up in intensity and volume, with scammers even verbally berating callers unwilling to give them personal information. This week alone, UDOT’s main office has received more than 500 hundred inquiries asking about the validity of the texts and calls.  

“It’s heartbreaking because I have talked to several people who have believed this scam,” UDOT office specialist Tessie Lords said. “The messages are convincing and people think they are doing the right thing by providing their information. I talked to one gentleman who entered three different credit cards, and others who have given bank information and even their pin numbers. And unfortunately there’s nothing we can do except to ask them to contact their banks immediately.”

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 that the recipient has an outstanding toll that will result in legal action
• Urging that 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. 

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.