Have you latterly received a text message saying you owe a FasTrak toll with a link to pay? Be careful – it could possibly be a scam.

These texts claim that customers owe Fastrak Express lane or toll fees and contain a link to a fraudulent website that asks for online payment. Do not click on the link or provide any personal information.

Attorney General Rob Bonta urges everyone to not fall for this text-based scam and spread the word.

What to do when you receive the fraudulent SMS:

• Do not click on the link.
• File a grievance: with the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission and the AG's office. Take a screenshot of the message that features the phone number the text got here from and the web site listed within the text.
• Delete any scam texts you receive.
• Check your toll account to confirm any amounts owed. Here is an inventory of California toll booths and their web sites Here.

What happens when you click on a link provided or provide personal information?

The AG's Office requires measures to guard your personal information and financial accounts. Call your bank and dispute any unknown charges.

“Scammers have gained the ability to impersonate legitimate companies and sometimes even link to legitimate websites. Currently, SMS toll scams are widespread, and if consumers know what to look out for, they can protect themselves from these tactics,” said AG Bonta. “I urge Californians to take practical steps to protect themselves from falling victim to scammers, including only visiting official websites and talking to friends and family who may be unaware of these dangers.”

Originally published: January 3, 2025 at 4:38am PST

The FasTrak transponder reports when a automotive passes through a toll booth and the account is charged. If no transponder is detected, the license plate image is checked to see if there may be an associated FasTrak account. And if the license plate just isn’t linked to an account, the vehicle owner receives a bill for the toll.

Can I make a payment immediately? and avoid receiving an invoice?

Yes — you’ll be able to make a one-time payment via BayAreaFasTrak.org or by calling (877) BAY-TOLL (229-8655). You will arrange a short-term license plate account that permits you to pay for bridge crossings within the last 48 hours or as much as 30 days upfront. There isn’t any additional fee for this selection.

What if I drive a rental automotive?

The larger automotive rental firms offer a toll payment plan that charges a fee along with the tolls you could have to pay. If you don't have such a plan, you’ll be able to make a one-time payment to FasTrak to your rental automotive through a short-term license plate account (see above). Set an end date so that you don't get charged for future drivers of the automotive. What you shouldn't do is just ignore your tolls – the automotive rental firms charge hefty fines.

Will I be charged penalties if I wait for a bill?

The first bill states that the toll have to be paid inside 30 days. After this era, a second reminder is distributed, with a penalty of $25 for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and $5 for the opposite bridges. The third reminder, after 60 days, levies a penalty of $50 for the Golden Gate Bridge and $15 for the opposite bridges. The bill may be paid by mail, on-line or call (877) 229-8655.

Can I exploit another person's FasTrak transponder?

Yes. It is best to have the FasTrak holder add your automotive's license plate to the account in order that your toll is roofed even when the transponder malfunctions. License plates may be added or removed at no additional charge.

I received a text message saying that I owe a toll.

This is a widespread scam. Contact Bay Area FasTrak to see whether it is legitimate.

*The eight toll bridges within the San Francisco Bay Area are Golden Gate, San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, Carquinez, Benicia-Martinez and Antioch.

Originally published: September 19, 2024 at 00:16