Toll scam texts are back with a vengeance in Hilton Head area. What to know
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South Carolina has the seventh-highest rate of fraud cases in the U.S., and the state’s relatively high median age leaves residents especially vulnerable to scammers’ tactics. National data shows older adults are disproportionately affected by such crimes.
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Hundreds of miles away from South Carolina’s only toll road, residents of the Hilton Head Island area are receiving scam text messages that outline “irreversible consequences” for a supposed unpaid toll balance.
These “toll violation notice” scam texts are commonly reported both locally and nationwide. This time, victims are being asked to pay their fines via a fake link containing “SCDMV,” according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Police have warned residents to avoid clicking the attached links or replying “Y” as the messages instruct, which acts as a signal to scammers that a phone number is active.
The fraudulent texts claim that failure to pay the small outstanding balance, usually less than $10, will result in late fees and the suspension of drivers’ vehicle registration.
“This is your last opportunity,” the messages read, fabricating a sense of urgency akin to many other online fraud tactics. “Pay now to avoid irreversible consequences.”
South Carolina’s only current toll road is the Southern Connector in the Greenville area. On its website, the toll service warned customers of the recirculating phishing attempt and said payment notices are only sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Beaufort County roadways have been toll-free since summer 2021, when the state was required to drop the long-standing $1.25 fare on Hilton Head’s Cross Island Parkway.
Residents who believe they might be the target of a scam can call the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 843-524-2777.
This story was originally published May 1, 2025 at 12:53 PM.
