PHOENIX — If you’ve received a text message claiming you owe toll fees to AZDOT, it’s a scam. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is warning the public not to fall for the latest version of a “smishing” attackdesigned to steal money or personal information.
There are several red flags in these messages:
-
Arizona has no toll roads.
-
The text comes from a foreign phone number.
-
The website link appears to include azdot.gov but redirects to a suspicious domain.
-
ADOT is never referred to as “AZDOT”, especially in official communication.
-
The message uses awkward phrasing like “Now Payment”.
This scam is a form of social engineering, where cybercriminals impersonate a legitimate agency to trick people into paying fake fees or providing sensitive information.
What should you do if you receive this text?
-
Do not click any links.
-
Delete the message immediately.
-
iPhone users can also hit Report Junk to flag the scam.
-
File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Include the scam phone number and website listed in the message.
For more information, visit ADOT’s official website.