Be on the lookout for WA toll scam. Here are latest recommendations
If you’ve checked the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Good To Go! website lately, you might’ve noticed a scam alert related to the toll payment system. Or you may have received a fake text message telling you that you owe a specific amount of money for a toll charge.
Washington state residents and Good To Go! users are being warned that any message asking them to pay a toll through any website other than MyGoodToGo.com is a scam.
“If you got a text saying you owe a specific dollar amount such as $4.15 you do not need to pay or call us — it is a scam text,” the scam alert states.
The warning is related to an ongoing phishing scam that made its way onto WSDOT’s radar earlier in 2024, according to Christopher Foster, the communications manager for WSDOT’s toll division.
“We posted the alert when the scams first appeared in April, and update it with new information any time we receive reports of a new attempt,” Foster told McClatchy in an email.
Good To Go! phishing scam
The scam has evolved since the spring, and WSDOT updates the alert with new information each time another attempt is reported. Typically, Foster said that the scam consists of a text message or email asking a customer to either provide personal information or pay a toll.
“Scammers have been sending fake text messages and emails that claim to be from Good To Go! and WSDOT,” Foster said. “These messages warn customers about unpaid tolls or issues with their accounts, urging them to click on a link to resolve the problem. It’s a phishing scam designed to steal personal data, including credit card information and account details.”
WSDOT warns not to click on the links provided in the text or email if you receive one.
WA drivers should stay alert to scam
Both state and federal government officials are working to crack down on the scam, as well as similar ones in other states, Foster said.
“While the Federal Trade Commission and the [Federal Bureau of Investigation] are aware of these scams, the best thing to do is stay vigilant and know what to look for,” Foster said. Foster suggests treating any text message regarding a Good To Go! account with caution, as WSDOT typically uses other means of communication.
“If you receive a text out of the blue about a Good To Go! account, be cautious. Our official communication is primarily done via email or mail, and you can always verify important account information by calling our customer service center or logging into your account at MyGoodToGo.com,” Foster said. “Any account alerts will be displayed on your account dashboard.”
If you’re sent a suspicious message, WSDOT recommends going through the department officials or the Good To Go! portal to clear up any potential concerns.
“These scam texts often include a link asking the recipient to ‘click here’ to pay the outstanding toll. You should never click on these links. Instead, log in to your account by visiting the official MyGoodToGo.com website where you can directly manage your account or by calling customer service,” Foster said.
Lastly, the language of a text can often give away whether or not it’s a scam, according to Foster.
“Scammers often use urgent language to pressure recipients into quick action, such as threatening account suspension,” Foster said. “Also, watch for spelling and grammar errors — these are common signs of a scam.”
What if you receive a scam text
What should you do if you receive a message that you suspect is part of this scam?
WSDOT suggests you take these three steps.
- Report it to your email provider
- File a report to the Federal Trade Commission
- Avoid clicking on any links
If you’re unsure whether or not a message is part of the scam, WSDOT recommends contacting the Good To Go! customer service team
