LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich are urging consumers to remain vigilant in light of increased reports of a toll scam circulating in West Michigan. The scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming the recipient owes unpaid tolls to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). These messages falsely state that it is a final reminder and threaten legal action if immediate payment is not made. The texts also include a deceptive link designed to resemble the official MDOT website.

There are currently no toll roads in Michigan. However, MDOT collects tolls at three transportation facilities:

• Blue Water Bridge
• International Bridge
• Mackinac Bridge

Legitimate toll bills for these facilities are sent by mail and are never issued via text message.

“While this toll scam isn’t new, it is becoming more prevalent, particularly in West Michigan,” Nessel said. “Before entering your credit card information in response to any kind of text message, take a moment to look closely. If the link does not include an official web domain, phone number, or email address, ignore the message.”

“MDOT officials want to remind all drivers, our department does not operate toll roads,” Wieferich said. “Some bridge locations collect tolls but not using license plate readers. You will never receive a bill from MDOT via text message.”

These text messages about tolls are just one example of how fraudsters send out short messages to fish for victims to take the bait on a variety of schemes. Consumers may have received a smishing text if it:

• Is unsolicited.
• Is sent from an unusually long phone number (10 or more digits).
• Includes a link that is likely shortened or scrambled.
• Is written with a sense of urgency.
• Contains grammatical and spelling errors.
• Promises a reward or prize if you respond or click a link.
• Requests personal or financial information.

Consumers should not reply to suspicious texts or click on links or attachments. Instead, they should use built-in spam-blocking tools on their mobile devices. Consumers can report smishing texts by forwarding them to SPAM (7726) and by sending the texts to the Federal Trade Commission.

Attorney General Nessel is also reissuing her government imposters scam consumer alert, reminding consumers that government agencies:

• Will not request personal information through email, over the phone, or text.
• Will never demand money through email, over the phone, or text. They will mail you a notice and offer payment options.
• Do not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form