Georgia drivers face a new digital highway robbery as scammers blast fake toll violation notices across the state.
🚨 What We Know: Residents throughout Georgia have been receiving text messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls they never actually incurred. Some messages specifically mention Peach Pass, Georgia’s toll program, in an attempt to appear authentic. The messages contain payment links designed to steal financial information or install malware.
🕵️ Why It Matters: These scammers target unsuspecting drivers with a particularly effective approach. Most people can’t immediately recall every road they’ve traveled, creating just enough doubt to make the scam work. And with Georgia’s expanding toll system, many residents find the messages plausible enough to click through.
💡 Why This Should Catch Your Attention: Unlike those obvious “extended car warranty” calls we all love to hate, these toll scams arrive via text and appear plausible. The scammers count on your fear of accumulating late fees or legal troubles to prompt quick, unthinking action.
🛑 Take Action: Delete these messages immediately. Legitimate toll authorities don’t initiate collection via text messages with suspicious links. If you’re concerned about actual toll violations, contact PeachPass directly through their official website or phone number. And perhaps most importantly, share this warning with friends and family who might be vulnerable.
🔮 What’s Next: As toll systems expand across Georgia, expect these scams to evolve and become more sophisticated. State authorities continue to monitor the situation, but your best defense remains healthy skepticism toward any unexpected payment demands.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
