EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With gas prices rising , summer approaching, and more people hitting the roads, experts are warning travelers about a new scam.

Paula Fleming of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) told 12 News that people across the country are being told they owe money to a state toll collection service.

“What it is saying via text is that you owe a toll fee, and if you don’t pay it, you will unfortunately accrue a $50 late fee,” Fleming said.

According to Fleming, the messages instill a sense of fear and urgency, instructing victims to provide financial information which could potentially give the scammers access to their cellphone data.

If you receive a text like this, Fleming recommends blocking the number and deleting the message. “It’s important for people to not click on any links or respond to unsolicited text messages,” she said. Instead, go to your local toll service website and log on to see if you have a balance.

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