Colorado Department of Transportation warns of ‘unceasing’ text message scams related to express lanes

The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning that scammers are continuing to target drivers who use the state’s roadways with fraudulent text messages. 

Over the last two years, attempts to scam those who use Colorado’s toll roads and express lanes via fraudulent text alerts “have remained unceasing,” state transportation officials said Wednesday in a news release.

The scammers typically pose as a toll service, such as Colorado’s ExpressToll, and request users to pay outstanding toll amounts to avoid late fees. But the Colorado Transportation Investment Office, which is responsible for express lanes in the state, never uses text messaging to collect any payments or personal information from customers, according to the release.

“If you receive a text message asking for payment of a toll or an express lane violation in Colorado, it’s a scam,” the release states.

The scam texts aim to coerce people into giving away sensitive personal information, including credit cards. Coloradans should avoid clicking on any links or providing personal information if they receive a text message regarding owed tolls.

In an example, transportation officials said the scam texts may read: “ExpressToll final reminder: You have an outstanding toll account balance. If you fail to pay by Aug. 26, 2025, you will face additional charges or legal action. Pay your balance now at [scam website address].”

Because the text messages are originating from outside of the Colorado Department of Transportation, the state can’t stop their distribution, according to the news release. Anyone who receives a spam text should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.