Cheyenne Police Issue Warning On Fake Toll Fine Scam

Cheyenne Police say a new text scam which has been widely reported across the country is also being seen locally.

The Toll Road Fine Scam has also been reported in Casper and several other Wyoming communities, and it's probably safe to assume that residents across Wyoming have been targeted.

CPD spokeswoman Alex Farkas told Townsquare Media the scam works this way: "Scammers send text messages impersonating toll road agencies and demand payment for unpaid tolls through fraudulent website links." 

One common scam text claims to be from ''E-Z Pass'' and warns the recipient that they will be "penalized or subject to legal action" if a supposed fine is not paid immediately."

E-Z Pass operates in 20 mostly eastern and southern states. The closest state to Wyoming that is part of the E-Z Pass network is Minnesota. But there are other variations on the scam, including some which claims motorists are being fined for violations on Colorado toll roads.

Wyoming itself does not have any toll roads, nor does Nebraska, North or South Dakota, Montana or Idaho. Utah has only one very short toll road. But Colorado does have several toll roads, mostly in the Denver area.

What To Do If You Receive A Toll Fine Scam Text

According to Farkas:

If you receive a toll road text message you suspect could be a scam, the Cheyenne Police Department offers the following safety tips:

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Texts: Use caution with messages requesting payment, especially if they demand immediate payment or threaten penalties.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited texts – they may lead to fraudulent websites that are designed to steal personal information.
• Verify Through Official Channels: If you receive a suspicious message, contact your local toll agency directly to confirm any outstanding balances. (Wyoming does not have any toll roads).
• Delete the Message: Promptly delete fraudulent texts to prevent accidental interaction.