Virginia E-ZPass scams are fake text messages that claim you owe a small unpaid toll on Virginia roads. Scammers send these messages to thousands of drivers each week. The texts look real, but they lead to fake websites designed to steal your money and personal data.
Drivers in Virginia lose hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to these fake toll scams. The messages often mention specific roads like I-66, the 495 Express Lanes, or the Dulles Toll Road. Knowing the real signs of a scam protects your bank account and your identity.
How Virginia E-ZPass Text Scams Work
The scam starts with a short text message on your phone. The message says you have an unpaid toll, often for a small amount like $4.99 or $6.99. It tells you to pay right away or face a large fine.
The text includes a link that looks close to the real EZPass site. fake links include “ezpassva-bill.com,” “va-ezpass-toll.net,” or “pay-ezpassva.org.” If you click the link, you land on a fake website that looks like the real EZ-Pass login page.
Once on the fake site, the page asks for your credit card number, ZIP code, or Social Security number. Scammers use this data to steal money or sell your details to other criminals. The whole scam can happen in less than five minutes.
Types of Fake E-ZPass Messages in Virginia
Scammers use several methods to reach Virginia drivers. Each one tries to create panic so you act without thinking.
Smishing Text Messages
Smishing means SMS phishing. These texts come from random phone numbers, often from out-of-state area codes. The message says you missed a toll payment and owe a small fee plus a penalty. This is the most common form of Virginia E-ZPass scam in 2026.
Phishing Emails
Fake emails pretend to come from E-ZPass Virginia or VDOT. They use official logos and copy real email layouts. The email asks you to click a link to avoid a license suspension or court action. The sender address usually ends in a free email service like @gmail.com instead of @ezpassva.com.
Robocalls and Voicemails
Automated calls claim you owe a toll from a recent trip. The recording threatens legal action if you do not call back. EZ Pass Virginia never uses robocalls for unpaid tolls. Any call like this is a fraud attempt.
Fake E-ZPass Account Suspension Notices
Some messages say your E-ZPass account is suspended or locked. They ask you to log in through a link to fix the issue. This scam tries to grab your username and password, not just your payment data.
Virginia Toll by Plate Phishing
Toll by Plate is the system for drivers without an E-ZPass transponder. Scammers send fake invoices for past trips with a link to pay. The link leads to a fake site that records your card details.
Red Flags That Expose a Fake E-ZPass Message
Real EZPass Virginia notices follow strict rules. If you see any of the signs below, delete the message right away.
- You did not ask for the alert. EZ Pass Virginia only sends texts if you signed up for SMS alerts.
- The link is not from ezpassva.com. The only real site is the official E-ZPass Virginia portal.
- The deadline is very short. Scammers say you have 24 or 48 hours to pay to cause panic.
- You never drove the road. The text mentions a toll road you did not use.
- Spelling and grammar are wrong. Real companies proofread their messages.
- They ask for PINs or full Social Security numbers. EZPass never asks for this data by text.
Example of a Fake Virginia E-ZPass Text
A common scam text reads: “EZPass Virginia: You have an unpaid toll of $5.99 on I-66. To avoid a $50 late fee, pay now at va-ezpass-toll.net. Reply STOP to opt out.” This message is fake. The real EZPass Virginia never sends unpaid toll notices by text message.
Virginia Toll Roads Targeted by Scammers
Scammers include real road names to make the text feel true. The most common road names in fake messages include:
| Toll Road | Location |
|---|---|
| I-66 Inside the Beltway | Northern Virginia |
| 495 Express Lanes | Fairfax County |
| Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) | Loudoun and Fairfax Counties |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) | Hampton and Norfolk |
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) | Virginia Beach to Eastern Shore |
| Powhite Parkway Extension | Richmond area |
If you receive a text about a toll on a road you have never used, it is a scam. Always check your account directly at www.ezpassva.com to see if you actually owe money.
How to Verify a Legitimate E-ZPass Virginia Notice
Real E-ZPass Virginia notices come through specific channels only.
- Mail: Paper letters sent to your address on file.
- Email: From addresses ending in @ezpassva.com or @vdot.virginia.gov.
- Phone: Calls from 844-548-0707 or 844-718-2368.
- Account portal: Messages inside your account at the official EZ Pass site.
E-ZPass Virginia does not send text messages about unpaid tolls unless you signed up for SMS alerts. They never ask you to click a link to pay a toll. When in doubt, log in to your account directly by typing the address into your browser.
What Legitimate Notices Will and Will Not Ask For
- Will ask: Your account login or transponder number.
- Will ask: A payment method already on file.
- Will not ask: Your full Social Security number.
- Will not ask: Your bank login or PIN.
- Will not ask: Gift cards or wire transfers as payment.
What to Do If You Clicked a Fake E-ZPass Link
Clicking a scam link does not always mean your data is stolen. Follow these steps right away:
- Disconnect from Wi-Fi and data. This stops any malicious code from sending data out.
- Do not enter any details. Close the fake page immediately.
- Clear your browser history and cache. This removes any tracking files the site placed.
- Run a virus scan. Use a trusted antivirus program on your phone or computer.
- Watch your bank accounts. Look for small charges you do not recognize.
What to Do If You Gave Details to a Scammer
If you entered payment details or private data on a fake site, act fast. Speed matters in these situations.
- Call your bank or credit card company. Ask them to freeze your card and reverse any charges.
- Change your passwords. Update your EZ-Pass Virginia password and any other accounts that use the same password.
- Place a fraud alert. Contact one of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
- File a report with the FTC. Go to www.identitytheft.gov to create an official recovery plan.
- Report the scam to E-ZPass Virginia. Call their customer service line to protect your account.
How to Report E-ZPass Scams in Virginia
Reporting these scams helps stop them. Multiple agencies collect this data to track and shut down scam operations.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). This sends the message to your phone carrier for investigation.
- Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. File at www.ic3.gov with the scam phone number and website.
- Report to the FTC. Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov and select “Imposter Scams.”
- Report to E-ZPass Virginia. Call (877) 762-7824 or visit the official website to report the fake message.
- Report to the Virginia DMV. Check www.dmv.virginia.gov for current scam alerts.
What to Include in Your Report
- The exact phone number the text came from.
- The full website link in the message.
- The date and time you received the text.
- A screenshot of the message (if your phone allows).
- Any action you took, such as clicking the link or sharing data.
How to Block and Delete E-ZPass Scam Texts
Most phones let you block numbers and report texts as spam. Use these features to stop future messages.
- On iPhone: Open the text, tap the sender’s number, scroll down, and select “Block this Caller.”
- On Android: Open the text, tap the three dots, then select “Block number.”
- Use your carrier’s spam filter. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all offer free spam text blocking.
- Delete the message after reporting. Do not click any links before you delete.
Even after you block one number, scammers often use new numbers. Repeat these steps as needed to keep your phone safe.
How to Protect Your E-ZPass Virginia Account
Strong account security stops scammers before they can use your data.
- Create a strong password. Use at least 12 characters with numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Turn on two-factor authentication if available. This adds a second step to your login.
- Check your account often. Log in at the official EZPass site once a week to review transactions.
- Sign up for paperless statements. This creates a digital record of your toll history.
- Never share your account login with anyone. EZ-Pass staff will never ask for your password.
Email and Text Alert Settings
Update your contact settings inside your E-ZPass Virginia account. Pick email or mail for unpaid toll notices. Avoid SMS alerts unless you confirm the sender through the official website. This single step blocks most smishing scams.
Official E-ZPass Virginia Contact Information
Use these official channels to verify any toll charges or report scams.
- Official Website: www.ezpassva.com
- Customer Service Phone: 1-877-762-7824
- Automated Phone Line: 844-548-0707 or 844-718-2368
- Customer Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM
- VDOT Central Office Address: 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Office Location: View VDOT Central Office on Google Maps
Virginia E-ZPass Scams FAQ
Below are answers to the most common questions Virginia drivers ask about EZ Pass scams. These answers help you make quick, safe decisions when you receive a toll message.
Does E-ZPass Virginia ever send text messages about unpaid tolls?
No. E-ZPass Virginia does not send text messages about unpaid tolls unless you signed up for SMS alerts. All toll notices go through mail, email from @ezpassva.com, or your online account. If you get a text out of nowhere about a toll, it is a scam. Delete the message and forward it to 7726 to report it to your phone carrier.
How do I know if I really owe a toll in Virginia?
Log in to your account at the official EZ-Pass site to check your balance and recent trips. You can also call 1-877-762-7824 to speak with a customer service agent. If you do not have an EZ-Pass account, check your mail for a toll invoice from VDOT or use the Toll by Plate tool on the official EZ Pass Virginia website.
Can I get a scam text even if I do not have an E-ZPass account?
Yes. Scammers buy phone number lists from data breaches and send messages to random numbers. The text might mention a fake toll amount to get your attention. If you do not have an EZPass account and never drive Virginia toll roads, you cannot owe a toll. Delete the message right away.
What happens if I paid the scam with my credit card?
Call your credit card company immediately and explain the situation. Ask them to reverse the charge and issue a new card number. Most banks treat these payments as fraud and remove the charges within 10 business days. File a report at www.identitytheft.gov to protect your identity going forward.
Are out-of-state drivers also getting these scams?
Yes. Drivers passing through Virginia on I-95, I-81, or I-77 receive these texts. The scammers do not know if you are a Virginia resident or not. Out-of-state drivers should check their tolls at the official EZPass website for their home state if they get a message about a Virginia toll charge.
Will E-ZPass Virginia ever call me about a toll?
EZPass Virginia only calls from 844-548-0707 or 844-718-2368. They do not make robocalls or threaten legal action over the phone. If someone calls you about a toll from a different number, hang up and report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
How do I tell my family about these scams?
Share this page with anyone who drives in Virginia. Show them the red flags: random texts, fake links, and pressure tactics. Older family members are the most common targets. Make sure they know to check the official E-ZPass Virginia website directly before paying any toll notice.