Scammers are sending fake texts, emails, and even phone calls claiming you owe unpaid tolls and threatening to suspend your vehicle if you don’t pay immediately.
The goal? To create panic and urgency so you’ll act without thinking—clicking a malicious link or giving up personal and financial information.
The tactics are the same:
- Urgent language (final notice, suspension, deactivation, overdue)
- Threats of consequences (loss of access, late fees, legal action)
- Requests for immediate action (click a link, call a number, enter credentials)
These scams often claim:
- You owe unpaid tolls, taxes, or school fees
- Your Netflix or Amazon account will be suspended
- Your credit card has expired, or your bank account is locked
- A package is on hold, or there’s a delivery issue
- You missed a court date or jury duty
They use urgent language like:
“Final Notice,” “Enforcement Begins,” “Your account will be deactivated,” “Last chance to avoid suspension.”
How to Protect Yourself
- Pause and think before clicking any links or responding
- Do NOT share personal or payment info through links or unknown numbers
- Go directly to the official website or app to check your account
Report Suspicious Messages
- Report suspicious texts to your phone carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). It doesn’t automatically block the sender on your device — you’ll still need to block the number if desired manually.
- To report the scam to USC ITS.
- Click: In the suspected phishing Outlook email, click the Report Phish/ Phish Alarm button.
- Email: Report suspected phishing emails by forwarding the email to phishing@usc.edu
- Call: ITS 24×7 Support at 213-740-5555
Scammers thrive on panic. Stay calm, verify through trusted sources, and don’t be rushed into a mistake.
For more information, visit the TrojanSecure website at Phishing Alert: Fake Unpaid Tolls Scams