Fake toll fee texts target Georgia drivers in multiple counties
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office warns residents against scanning QR codes in fraudulent toll fee text messages in Jasper, Ga., on March 2, 2026. (Pickens County Sheriff’s Office)
JASPER, Ga. - Multiple Georgia law enforcement agencies are warning people to keep their phones in their pockets following a surge of fraudulent text messages targeting local drivers.
What we know:
The scam involves messages that claim the recipient owes unpaid toll fees. These texts typically include a QR code and instructions to scan it to settle the debt.
"This is NOT legitimate," the Pickens County Sheriff's Office stated in a recent alert.
The Fulton County Solicitor General's office said it received similar reports.
What you can do:
Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution: "Do NOT scan the QR code. Do NOT click links or provide personal information."
According to investigators, these unsolicited messages are a departure from standard government procedures. The Sheriff's Office reminded residents that "government agencies will not demand payment through unsolicited text messages."
If you receive one of these messages, officials recommend deleting the message and reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The Source: The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office provided the details for this article. It has been updated to show Fulton County officials are aware of the same scam.