A major toll operator in the Moscow region has issued a warning to drivers along the Central Ring Road about a sharp rise in toll fraud aimed at motorists. The alert highlights increasingly common phishing schemes that imitate the operator’s official website and send SMS messages to residents claiming that they owe money for highway usage. In reality, many drivers have no outstanding debts at all, yet the messages push for immediate payment and attempt to create a sense of urgency around alleged penalties.
Officials emphasize that the fake messages and counterfeit websites mimic the legitimate interface used for reporting tolls on the Central Ring Road. The fraudulent texts often include a call to action that invites victims to make payments directly through a fraudulent site. This is precisely why drivers are urged to verify any claim of debt before submitting a payment or providing any personal information.
To protect themselves, motorists should scrutinize both the debt status and the web address used in any payment request. Rely on official channels to confirm outstanding balances rather than responding to unsolicited messages. The toll operator recommends cross checking the debt status through verified, public communication channels and the official website that is known to the public as the authoritative source of toll information, rather than following links sent by unknown parties.
When in doubt, contact should be made only through the operator’s confirmed contact points listed on the official site, and payments should be performed strictly via the legitimate payment portal identified by the toll system. This approach helps prevent fraud and ensures that drivers are not misled into paying for debts that do not exist. The organization also urges road users to report suspected scam messages to the proper authorities and to delete any suspicious text messages without responding or clicking on embedded links.
As a broader reminder, legitimate toll systems will never demand payment through unfamiliar platforms or unsolicited texts that threaten penalties to prompt rapid payment. Motorists who encounter a suspicious SMS or a fraudulent site should pause, double-check the source, and confirm the standing balance using the official toll operator’s website. By staying vigilant and relying on trusted sources, drivers can avoid scams while continuing to use the Central Ring Road with confidence. The operator notes that maintaining data security and careful online verification are essential components of safe and compliant highway use, particularly when confronted with messages that appear urgent or intimidating. [Attribution: Avtodor Toll Roads]