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.
