Scam Alert: Unpaid Tolls Text Message Scam

NH Banking News & Announcements

Published March 12th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The New Hampshire Security Team issued a scam alert regarding text messages claiming unpaid tolls and fake court summons. These messages, often containing QR codes, are designed to steal financial information and money from recipients.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The New Hampshire Security Team has issued a "Scam of the Week" alert concerning fraudulent text messages that impersonate official court summons for unpaid traffic tolls. These messages include fake court seals, case numbers, and QR codes, falsely claiming serious consequences like arrest if payment is not made. The primary goal of this scam is to direct recipients to fake payment webpages designed to steal financial information and money.

Consumers are advised that real legal documents are typically sent via mail or delivered in person, not by text. They should exercise caution with QR codes from unknown sources, as they can lead to malicious websites. If concerned about potential toll violations or traffic tickets, individuals should directly contact their local court or toll agency using official contact information found through independent searches, rather than relying on information provided in suspicious text messages.

What to do next

Verify official communications are received via mail or in-person delivery.
Do not scan QR codes from unknown or suspicious sources.
Independently verify any alleged toll violations or traffic tickets by contacting the relevant agency directly.

Source document (simplified)

Home
NH Security team Scam of the Week: Unpaid tolls text messages

Announcement For Immediate Release Posted: March 12, 2026

Contact Ian Clark, Public Information Officer
(603) 271-4865 | ian.m.clark@banking.nh.gov

NH Security team Scam of the Week: Unpaid tolls text messages

"Scam of the Week" from the State of New Hampshire Security Team at the Department of Information Technology:

In this week’s scam, you receive a text message that claims you have an unpaid traffic toll that needs to be paid immediately. The message includes an image of what appears to be an official court summons, which has a court seal, a case number, and a QR code. It warns that if you don't pay the fine, you could face serious consequences, including being arrested. It then instructs you to scan the QR code to pay the money that you owe.

However, there isn’t actually a toll violation on your record, or a fine for you to pay. The text message you received was actually sent by cybercriminals! If you scan or select the QR code, you won’t be directed to a real government website. Instead, you’ll be sent to a fake payment webpage designed to steal your financial information and money!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this text message scam:

Remember that real legal documents are typically sent by mail or delivered in person, and not by text message.
Just like malicious links, QR codes can easily direct you to dangerous websites. You should never scan a QR code from an unknown source.
If you are concerned you missed a toll payment or have a traffic ticket, look up the official phone number or website for your local court or toll agency. Contact them directly to check your status.