Truck drivers running through New Mexico should be aware of a scam circulating by text, email, and phone. The scheme claims drivers owe money for unpaid tolls, but there is one major problem with that claim.
New Mexico does not operate any toll roads.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is warning drivers about fraudulent messages demanding payment for alleged toll violations. According to state officials, these messages are completely fake.
Scam messages often create urgency. In this case, drivers are being told “enforcement action” will begin after Wed. Feb. 4. The goal is to pressure recipients into clicking links or providing personal information before verifying the claim.
How the Toll Scam Works
The scam attempts to collect personal and financial information by sending text messages or emails demanding immediate toll payment. Some drivers may also receive phone calls claiming toll violations. In other cases, fake websites are designed to look like official government pages to collect payment details.
State transportation officials made it clear that they would never request toll payments from residents or visitors because there are no toll facilities within the state.
For truck drivers operating interstate routes through the Southwest, this is especially important. Scam messages often target drivers who travel frequently, assuming they may confuse toll notices from other states with those from New Mexico.
What Truck Drivers Should Do
The New Mexico DOT advises drivers to take the following steps if they receive one of these messages:
- Ignore all unexpected messages about unpaid New Mexico toll roads
- Do not click links in suspicious texts or emails about toll violations
- Never scan QR codes from unexpected messages about toll payments
Drivers should also avoid entering personal information into unfamiliar websites and should never provide banking details in response to unsolicited toll payment demands.
