Another Scam In North Dakota: This Time Involving Toll Roads

As I write this now, I already know what you're thinking. Another fraud? Yes. And because it concerns North Dakota's toll highways, this one is as strange as they come. The best part, though? There are no toll roads in our state. Not one. Congratulations if you were suddenly contacted and asked to pay for a toll road infraction! Someone who truly knows nothing about our state's roads has just targeted you.

Get our free mobile app

Scam artists have been sending out fraudulent text messages, claiming you owe money for driving on a toll road somewhere in the Peace Garden State. Now, unless you’ve somehow teleported to another state without realizing it, you can be sure this text is a scam.

Here is what one of these phony text messages looks like. To be clear, clear, this message was not sent by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. It looks pretty official, doesn't it?

So, how do you spot one of these fake toll road texts? Here are some red flags:

• The message comes from an unfamiliar number.
• It includes a suspicious-looking link.
• It tries to rush you into paying immediately.
• It forgets the basic fact that North Dakota does not have toll roads.

If you receive one of these fake messages, don’t click the link, don’t reply, and certainly don’t send any money. Just shake your head at the sheer audacity of it all and delete the message.

So friends, stay vigilant out there, and remember—our roads might be long, but they sure aren’t tolled.