The messages include a link to pay the tolls, but the link goes to a fake website that often mirrors what the official site looks like. Georgia officials are telling people avoid clicking links or paying money through such texts.

How can you tell it’s fake? Well, Georgia agencies say they never send out texts asking for money.

In Georgia, many of the texts claim to be about use of the Peach Pass, the state’s express lane toll system.

“Beware of scam texts posing as Georgia Tolls and Peach Pass, requesting payment of unpaid tolls,” Peach Pass officials said in a social media post. “Do not click on any links; these messages are fake.”

ExplorePeach Pass users will soon see a brand-new app

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also issued a warning via social media urging people to “please be aware of these fake texts.”

Other states have reported fake messages specific to their toll authorities. News reports about the toll scammers have come from North Carolina, Illinois, California, Washington D.C., Michigan, Ohio and Louisiana.

The Federal Trade Commission said in a consumer alert posted to its website that the scammers “are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money.”

“It’s a phishing scam,” the FTC said. “Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal your identity.”

To avoid the scam, do not click any links, report suspicious text messages as junk and delete the texts.

ExploreCould congestion pricing work in Atlanta?

If you receive a text message, Peach Pass recommends that you report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

And for actual Peach Pass customers, tolls can be paid at mypeachpass.com.