UDOT warns public of new scam that warns drivers of nonexistent toll balances

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation is warning the public about a new string of scams involving false toll balances.

According to a press release from UDOT, scammers have been using text messages and phone calls to warn people about an unpaid toll balance.

UDOT has received hundreds of calls asking about the legitimacy of the texts and calls, according to the press release.

“Even I received a scam call today, and when I told them ‘I work for the Utah Department of Transportation and we don’t do this,’ the guy immediately hung up,” UDOT Area Supervisor Jake Brown said. “My wife and several of her coworkers were also targeted, but fortunately didn’t fall for it.”

Many of the reports show that the scammers are often: 

• using UDOT’s full name,
• claiming the recipient has an outstanding toll that will result in legal action,
• urging that the fine must be paid quickly, and
• inserting a link that includes the phrase “utah.gov.”

UDOT is urging people who have received these text messages or phone calls to not provide any information and to block the sender.

The press release states that if you’ve mistakenly provided payment, immediately contact your credit card company or bank.

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