DRIVERS have been warned about urgent face toll notices claiming they have unpaid balances.

The texts also tell drivers that unpaid balances will result in additional fees.

Scam texts have been sent out to drivers in Maine.

One message sent to a driver claimed they had an outstanding charge of $19.15.

It also claimed they would face a late fee of $57.45 if they didn't pay up.

The message directed them to a fake website to pay.

The payment website is convincing but fake, encouraging drivers to enter their banking and personal information.

With that personal information, scammers can steal someone's identity or gain access to funds.

They have been sent out to customers using Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) roads.

The MTA has warned that the messages are not legitimate.

It also said that it doesn't send out text messages to collect payments for E-ZPASS bills.

Similar scams have been reported in other states but this is the first of its kind in Maine.

E-ZPass warns drivers that they will never alert drivers to an overdue balance via text message, and if the fake text is received, to delete it and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime division.

Anyone who believes they have been scammed can call the E-ZPASS Customer Service Center between 8 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday.

If drivers receive a message they are unsure about, they can check their account online at ezpassmaineturnpike.com.

With so many people calling and visiting the E-ZPASS Customer Service Center asking about the scam, drivers have been warned that the wait time to speak to someone can often be over an hour.

Alternatively, drivers can file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov, including the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text in the complaint.