Toll Road Scam Texts Targeting Linkt and e-TAG Users

Scam text messages impersonating toll road operators like Linkt and e-TAG have surged across Australia. These messages claim you have an unpaid toll and direct you to a fake payment page designed to steal your credit card details.

How Toll Road Scams Work

You receive a text message claiming:

• "You have an unpaid toll of $X. Pay now to avoid penalties: [link]"
• "Your Linkt account has been suspended due to overdue payment"
• "Final notice: unpaid toll fee. Your vehicle registration may be suspended"
• "e-TAG notice: complete payment within 48 hours"

The link leads to a convincing replica of a toll operator's website that captures your payment card details.

Red Flags

• Payment links in SMS: Legitimate toll operators don't text payment links
• Urgency and threats: "Registration will be suspended" is not how toll penalties work
• Small amounts: Often $4-$12 to seem plausible and not worth questioning
• Unknown sender numbers: Real Linkt messages come from verified sender IDs
• Generic URLs: Not from linkt.com.au or the official operator domain

How Real Toll Operators Contact You

Toll operators like Linkt communicate through:

1. Email — from verified @linkt.com.au addresses
2. Postal mail — official toll notices sent to your registered address
3. Their app — push notifications through the Linkt app
4. Phone — only from verified numbers, and they'll never ask for card details

What to Do

1. Don't click the link — delete the text
2. Check your toll account — log in directly via the official website
3. Report the scam — forward the text to Scamwatch at 0429 401 703
4. Report to Scamwatch — Visit scamwatch.gov.au or call 1300 795 995
5. Use Ask Arthur — Paste the message into askarthur.au for AI-powered analysis

If You've Already Entered Your Card Details

1. Contact your bank immediately — request a card block and replacement
2. Monitor your statements for unauthorised transactions
3. Report to ReportCyber — Visit cyber.gov.au or call 1300 292 371