Washington State drivers are facing a surge of dangerous text messages claiming to be from the official Good To Go! toll service. These fraudulent messages threaten legal action and steep fines while directing victims to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
The MyGoodToGo scam has already affected thousands of residents, and understanding how it works is crucial for protecting yourself and your family.
The scammers behind this scheme have created incredibly convincing fake websites that mirror the official MyGoodToGo.com portal. They use urgent language, threatening penalties, and small toll amounts to create panic and bypass critical thinking.
Key Takeaways
- Never click links in toll-related text messages – Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) never sends text messages about unpaid tolls or requests payment through texting
- The official website is MyGoodToGo.com only – Any website with additional characters after .com or different domains are fake sites designed to steal your information
- Legitimate toll communications come by mail – WSDOT only contacts drivers about unpaid tolls through postal mail, never through texts, emails, or phone calls
- Report and delete suspicious messages immediately – Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report them to the Washington Attorney General’s office to help protect other drivers
- Check your account directly if concerned – Log into your actual MyGoodToGo account through the official website or call the customer service line to verify any supposed unpaid balances
What Is The MyGoodToGo Scam
The MyGoodToGo scam represents a sophisticated phishing attack targeting Washington State drivers who use toll roads and bridges. Criminals send mass text messages claiming recipients have unpaid Good To Go! toll invoices ranging from $5.99 to $11.75. These messages threaten additional penalties of over $100 if immediate payment is not made through a provided link.
The text messages appear to come from official WSDOT sources and include authentic-looking logos and formatting. They create a sense of urgency by mentioning legal proceedings, license suspension threats, or vehicle registration holds. The small initial toll amount makes the claim seem believable, while the threat of massive penalties creates panic.
When victims click the link, they are directed to elaborate fake websites that perfectly mimic the official MyGoodToGo.com portal. These sites request personal information including full names, driver’s license numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and complete credit card details. Once entered, this information goes directly to criminals who use it for identity theft and financial fraud.
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The scam has become so widespread that Washington State officials have issued multiple public warnings. The FBI has also become involved in investigating these text message schemes that are targeting drivers across multiple states.
How The Scam Text Messages Work
Scammers use automated systems to send thousands of fake toll invoice texts to random phone numbers throughout Washington State. They do not target specific individuals but cast a wide net hoping to catch drivers who actually use toll roads. The messages often arrive during business hours when people are more likely to read and respond quickly.
The text messages typically follow a standard format that includes the WSDOT logo, official-sounding language, and a specific unpaid amount. Common variations include messages about “final notices” or “last chance” warnings to pay before legal action begins. Some texts even reference specific toll locations like the SR 520 bridge or I-405 express lanes to add credibility.
Advanced versions of the scam include personalized elements like partial license plate numbers or vehicle makes that scammers obtain from data breaches or public records. This personalization makes the messages appear more legitimate and increases the likelihood that recipients will click the fraudulent links.
The links in these messages are carefully crafted to look like official WSDOT URLs but actually redirect to servers controlled by criminals. These fake websites are hosted on temporary domains that can be quickly shut down and replaced when authorities discover them.
Red Flags That Identify Scam Messages
Several clear warning signs can help you identify fraudulent MyGoodToGo text messages before you become a victim. Urgent language is the most common red flag, with messages demanding immediate action within 24 hours or threatening severe consequences for delays. Legitimate toll communications never use high-pressure tactics or create artificial urgency.
Grammar and spelling errors frequently appear in scam messages, though some newer versions have improved their language quality. Look for awkward phrasing, missing punctuation, or unusual capitalization patterns that indicate the message was not created by a professional organization.
Suspicious phone numbers are another clear indicator of fraud. Scam texts often come from random 10-digit numbers rather than official short codes used by government agencies. Some messages may appear to come from email addresses or display names that do not match official WSDOT communications.
Incorrect website URLs represent the most important red flag to watch for. Legitimate Good To Go! payments can only be made at MyGoodToGo.com. Any URL with additional characters, numbers, or different domains is fraudulent. Common fake variations include sites with hyphens, extra letters, or completely different domain names.
The Fake Website Deception
Criminal organizations have invested significant resources in creating fake MyGoodToGo websites that closely mimic the official portal. These sites copy the exact color schemes, logos, fonts, and layout of the real website to fool visitors into believing they have reached the legitimate payment system.
The fake sites often include working elements like dropdown menus, clickable buttons, and realistic-looking forms to enhance their credibility. However, most links on these sites either do not work or redirect to other scam pages. The only fully functional element is the payment form designed to capture victim information.
Some sophisticated fake sites even include fake customer service chat windows, phone numbers, or help sections to further convince visitors of their legitimacy. These features are designed to address any concerns victims might have about the site’s authenticity before they complete the payment process.
The payment forms on fake sites request excessive information that the real MyGoodToGo.com would never ask for. This includes social security numbers, mother’s maiden names, banking passwords, or PIN numbers. Any site requesting this type of sensitive information is definitely fraudulent.
What Information Scammers Steal
When victims enter information into fake MyGoodToGo websites, criminals capture a wide range of personal and financial data. Personal identity information includes full legal names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and dates of birth. This data enables identity theft and allows criminals to open fraudulent accounts in victims’ names.
Vehicle information such as license plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and registration details can be used to commit vehicle-related fraud or create false documentation. Some scammers use this information to target victims with additional automotive scams or illegal parking schemes.
Financial data represents the most valuable information stolen through these scams. Complete credit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, and billing addresses allow criminals to make unauthorized purchases or drain bank accounts. Some victims report thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges within hours of entering their information.
Driver’s license numbers and other official identification details can be used to create fake IDs, file fraudulent tax returns, or access government services illegally. This information has long-term value for criminals and can be sold on dark web marketplaces for continued illegal use.
Real Victim Experiences
Washington State residents have shared numerous stories about falling victim to MyGoodToGo scams. One Seattle driver reported receiving a text about a $6.99 unpaid toll while stuck in traffic. Panicked about potential penalties, they immediately clicked the link and entered their credit card information, only to discover $1,200 in fraudulent charges the next morning.
A Tacoma family received multiple scam texts over several weeks, each claiming different unpaid amounts and threatening license suspension. When they finally called the real Good To Go! customer service line, they learned their account had a positive balance and no outstanding tolls. The persistent messages had caused weeks of unnecessary stress and anxiety.
College students have become frequent targets because they often drive rental cars or borrowed vehicles and are unsure about toll responsibilities. One University of Washington student paid a fake $5.99 toll through a scam site and later discovered criminals had used her information to open three credit cards and make purchases totaling over $3,000.
Small business owners who regularly use toll roads report receiving dozens of scam messages targeting their commercial vehicles. These business-focused scams often involve larger amounts and more sophisticated fake websites designed to steal business account information and employee data.
How WSDOT Actually Communicates
Understanding how Washington State Department of Transportation actually handles toll communications is essential for identifying scams. WSDOT never sends text messages about unpaid tolls, account balances, or payment requests. All legitimate toll communications are sent through postal mail only.
When you have an unpaid toll, WSDOT sends a physical invoice to the registered vehicle owner’s address within 30 days of the toll occurrence. These invoices include detailed information about the specific toll location, date and time of travel, and clear payment instructions. Multiple reminder notices are sent before any penalties are assessed.
Legitimate toll payments can only be made through the official MyGoodToGo.com website, by phone at 1-866-936-8246, or by mail using the forms provided in official invoices. WSDOT also accepts payments at select retail locations and customer service centers throughout the state.
The official Good To Go! system sends account balance notifications only to customers who have specifically requested them and only for account holders who have set up automatic notifications. These messages come from verified short codes and never include payment links or urgent language.
Immediate Steps If You Were Scammed
If you entered personal or financial information into a fake MyGoodToGo website, take immediate action to protect yourself. Contact your bank and credit card companies within the first few hours to report potential fraud and request new cards with different numbers. Most financial institutions can place fraud alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
File a police report with your local law enforcement agency to create an official record of the identity theft. This documentation will be helpful when disputing fraudulent charges or dealing with other consequences of the scam. Many police departments now have specialized cybercrime units familiar with these types of schemes.
Place fraud alerts on your credit reports with all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These alerts notify you when anyone attempts to open new accounts using your personal information. Consider freezing your credit reports entirely if you provided extensive personal details to the scammers.
Change passwords for all online accounts, especially those related to banking, email, or government services. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add extra security layers. Monitor your accounts daily for several months to catch any fraudulent activity quickly.
Prevention And Protection Strategies
Protecting yourself from MyGoodToGo scams requires developing good digital security habits and staying informed about current threats. Never click links in unexpected text messages, even if they appear to come from legitimate sources. Instead, independently verify any claims by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
Bookmark the official MyGoodToGo.com website and always navigate there directly rather than clicking links from emails or texts. This prevents accidentally visiting fake sites that may look identical to the real portal. Check your toll account regularly through the official website to stay informed about your actual balance and payment history.
Enable text filtering features on your smartphone to block messages from unknown numbers or those containing suspicious keywords. Most carriers offer spam protection services that can automatically identify and filter common scam messages before they reach your phone.
Educate family members about these scams, especially elderly relatives who may be more vulnerable to high-pressure tactics. Share information about how to identify fraudulent messages and emphasize that WSDOT never requests payment through text messages.
Reporting Scam Messages
When you receive a fraudulent MyGoodToGo text message, reporting it helps protect other drivers and assists law enforcement investigations. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your wireless carrier about the fraudulent sender. Most carriers use these reports to block future messages from the same sources.
Report to the Washington Attorney General through their online complaint system at atg.wa.gov. Include screenshots of the message, the sender’s phone number, and any website URLs involved. The Attorney General’s office tracks these scams and works with federal agencies to shut down criminal operations.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint about the scam attempt. The FTC maintains a database of consumer fraud reports that helps identify trends and coordinate enforcement actions across multiple states.
Notify WSDOT directly by calling their customer service line at 1-866-936-8246 or through their official website contact form. WSDOT tracks scam reports and uses them to issue public warnings and improve their fraud prevention efforts.
Legal Consequences For Scammers
Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing criminal charges against individuals and organizations behind MyGoodToGo scams. These schemes violate multiple federal and state laws including wire fraud, identity theft, computer fraud, and consumer protection statutes. Penalties can include substantial prison sentences and financial restitution to victims.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has prioritized toll-related scams as part of their broader efforts to combat cybercrime. Federal prosecutors have filed charges in several states against scam operators who used fake toll websites to steal millions of dollars from victims.
State attorneys general across the country are coordinating investigations and sharing information about these scams. Washington State has increased penalties for crimes involving government impersonation, making it a felony to create fake websites that mimic official state services.
Victims who suffer financial losses can pursue civil lawsuits against scammers when they are identified and located. However, recovering stolen funds can be difficult because many scam operators are located overseas or quickly move stolen money through complex financial networks.
Technology Behind The Scams
Understanding the technical aspects of MyGoodToGo scams helps explain why they are so effective and difficult to stop. Scammers use spoofing technology to make their text messages appear to come from legitimate phone numbers or display names. This makes it difficult for recipients to immediately identify the messages as fraudulent.
Domain registration techniques allow criminals to quickly create new fake websites when authorities shut down existing ones. They often use privacy protection services and overseas hosting providers to hide their identities and avoid detection by law enforcement.
Social engineering principles form the foundation of these scams, exploiting psychological vulnerabilities like fear, urgency, and authority. Scammers carefully craft their messages to trigger emotional responses that override logical thinking and encourage immediate action.
Automated systems enable criminals to send thousands of scam messages simultaneously while managing multiple fake websites and processing stolen information. These systems can operate with minimal human oversight, making the scams highly profitable for relatively small criminal organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MyGoodToGo a legitimate service?
Yes, MyGoodToGo.com is the official website for Washington State’s Good To Go! electronic toll collection system operated by WSDOT.
How do I know if a toll message is real?
WSDOT only sends toll communications through postal mail, never by text, email, or phone calls.
What should I do if I clicked a suspicious link?
Immediately close the browser, run antivirus software, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
Can scammers access my phone after I click their link?
Clicking the link alone typically does not compromise your phone, but entering information on fake sites can lead to identity theft.
How much do the scam texts claim I owe?
Most scam messages claim unpaid tolls between $5.99 and $11.75 with penalty threats over $100.
Where should I report MyGoodToGo scams?
Report to 7726 (SPAM), the Washington Attorney General, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Will my real Good To Go account be affected?
No, these scams do not impact your actual Good To Go account or legitimate toll payments.
How can I check my real toll balance?
Log into MyGoodToGo.com directly or call 1-866-936-8246 to verify your actual account status.
