Beehive State News

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has issued a warning about a new scam targeting motorists with claims of unpaid toll balances. The fraudulent activity involves deceptive tactics through text messages that appear automated and live phone calls, misleading recipients into believing they originate from UDOT.

Since April 1, 2025, UDOT has been inundated with hundreds of inquiries regarding the authenticity of these communications. UDOT Area Supervisor Jake Brown mentioned his encounter with such a scam call. “Even I received a scam call today, and when I told them ‘I work for the Utah Department of Transportation and we don’t do this,’ the guy immediately hung up,” he explained. Brown’s wife and her colleagues also received similar calls but did not fall for the scam.

UDOT emphasized that it does not use texts or phone calls to collect tolling fees. They advise anyone receiving messages about an outstanding toll balance to refrain from sharing any payment information. In the case of receiving a text, individuals should not click on any links and are advised to block the sender. For scam phone calls, UDOT recommends hanging up and blocking the number.

User reports indicate that the scammers often use UDOT’s full name, threaten legal action for unpaid tolls, urge swift payment, and insert links containing “utah.gov” to appear legitimate.

Victims who have inadvertently provided payment information are urged to contact their credit card company or bank immediately. Express Pass customers can reach UDOT’s customer service center toll-free at 855-813-9127 or visit expresspass.utah.gov for account-related queries.