SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Transportation is warning the public of toll-related text scams and is urging caution before opening suspicious links.

INDOT officials say scam, known as a smishing scam, is targeting Hoosiers statewide.

The scam is described as false messages appearing to come from INDOT or tolling service providers that alert recipients of a “final notice” regarding unpaid tolls and mention additional fines, late fees, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, and further legal action, in addition to a link for payment.

“INDOT does not and will not notify drivers of unpaid tolls via text message,” said INDOT Strategic Communications Director, Natalie Garrett. “We urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution before opening suspicious links. The best thing to do is delete these messages.”

Officials say these scams have been ongoing since spring of 2024.

The FBI issued a warning on April 12, 2024, citing over 2,000 complaints of false text messages representing toll collection services.

Victims of fraudulent messages are encouraged to report them to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center here and to delete the texts.