Iowans Warned Not to Fall for Toll Road Text Scam

Sometimes when I hear stories of scams making their way around the area, I often wonder who actually falls for these things. Sure, they can often sound and look legit. But usually, they can easily be debunked. The Iowa DOT is warning residents of another scam and this one actually hit close to home.

My daughter Carly was at a tennis tournament yesterday afternoon. I got an urgent text message from her. She stated that we must have unpaid tolls, and then forwarded me this message.

Ryan Brainard

Carly was concerned because earlier this year she took a trip with some relatives to Chicago. Unlike Iowa, Illinois has toll roads. Carly was concerned that they didn't pay those tolls and they were coming after everyone in the car that day, including my 16-year-old daughter.

I knew this was a scam, but Carly was worried someone was going to get in trouble. That is how scammers work, preying on people who don't know any better by no fault of their own. It turns out Carly isn't the only one getting these messages. CBS2 reports that the Iowa DOT is warning residents of an ongoing scam saying citizens have unpaid tolls or registration fees.

First of all the Iowa DOT doesn't collect tolls on its roads and bridges. CBS2 reports that officials say that the DOT will also never send collection notices via text message. If you get one of these scam messages do NOT click on the link or share any personal or financial information.