FasTrak does send text messages, but only if you set up notifications in your account
FasTrak, California's electronic toll collection system, can text you about your account — but the service is not automatic. You have to turn on text notifications yourself through your FasTrak account online or through the FasTrak mobile app. Once you do, you'll receive messages about things like low account balance, toll charges, and payment confirmations.
The texts come from FasTrak's official system, not from scammers pretending to be FasTrak. However, scammers do send fake FasTrak texts to steal account information, so it's important to know the difference between real messages and phishing attempts.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak text notifications are optional and must be turned on through your account settings — they do not happen by default.
- Real FasTrak texts come from a FasTrak phone number and direct you to the official FasTrak website or app, never to a link in the message itself.
- Scammers send fake FasTrak texts asking you to click links or verify your account information — FasTrak will never ask this in a text.
- You can receive texts about low balance warnings, toll charges, payment confirmations, and account alerts if you enable the feature.
- To stop receiving FasTrak texts at any time, log into your account and turn off text notifications in your settings.
How to turn on FasTrak text notifications
To receive texts from FasTrak, you need to log into your account on the FasTrak website or open the FasTrak mobile app. Go to your account settings or preferences — the exact location depends on whether you're using the website or the app, but both have a notifications or alerts section.
Look for the option to enable text message notifications and enter your phone number. You may be asked to confirm the number by entering a code that FasTrak texts to you. Once you confirm, texts will start arriving for the events you've selected, such as low balance alerts or payment receipts.
If you've already set up texts but stopped receiving them, check that your phone number is still correct in your account settings. Phone numbers can be accidentally deleted or changed during account updates.
What FasTrak texts actually say
Real FasTrak text messages are straightforward and direct you to take action through official channels. A legitimate low-balance alert might say something like: "Your FasTrak account balance is low. Log in to www.FasTrak.org to add funds." A payment confirmation might read: "Your FasTrak payment of $50 was received on [date]. Thank you."
The key feature of real FasTrak texts is that they do not ask you to click a link inside the message. Instead, they tell you to go to the official FasTrak website or open the FasTrak app. They also do not ask you to reply with personal information like your account number, PIN, or credit card details.
How to spot a fake FasTrak text
Scammers send texts that look like they come from FasTrak but are designed to trick you into giving up account information or clicking a malicious link. A fake text might say something like: "Verify your FasTrak account now — click here" or "Unusual activity detected. Reply with your account number to confirm." These are red flags.
Fake FasTrak texts often have spelling errors, ask you to click a link, or request information that FasTrak would never ask for in a text. They may also come from a phone number that does not look official, or they may use urgent language like "act now" or "your account will be closed."
If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from FasTrak, do not click any links or reply with information. Instead, delete the message and log into your FasTrak account directly through the official website or app to check your account status.
What information FasTrak includes in real texts
When FasTrak sends you a legitimate text, it typically includes one of the following: a low-balance warning with the current balance amount, a payment confirmation with the date and amount paid, a notification that a toll charge has been processed, or an alert about account activity. The message is always brief and factual.
Real FasTrak texts may also include a reference number or transaction ID so you can look up the specific event in your account. They never ask you to verify information, update payment methods, or confirm your identity through the text itself.
Turning off FasTrak text notifications
If you no longer want to receive FasTrak texts, you can disable them anytime through your account. Log into your FasTrak account on the website or app, find the notifications or alerts settings, and uncheck the box for text message notifications. You can also update which types of alerts you receive — for example, you might keep payment confirmations but turn off low-balance warnings.
If you've lost access to your account or cannot find the notification settings, you can contact FasTrak customer service through the official website. They can help you disable texts or update your phone number.
Why FasTrak might text you without your permission
If you're receiving FasTrak texts but never turned on notifications, it's possible that someone else set up the account or modified your settings. This can happen if another person has access to your account or if your account was created by a family member or business.
Check your account settings to see what phone number is registered for text notifications. If it's not your number, change your account password immediately and update the phone number to your own. If you believe your account has been compromised, contact FasTrak customer service right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get FasTrak texts on multiple phone numbers?
No, FasTrak allows only one phone number per account for text notifications. If you need texts sent to a different number, you'll need to update your account settings. Some accounts may allow you to add a secondary contact, but texts will still go to only one number at a time.
Does FasTrak charge money for text messages?
FasTrak does not charge you for the text messages themselves, but your mobile carrier may charge you standard text message rates depending on your plan. If you have unlimited texting, there is no additional cost. Check with your carrier if you're unsure about your text message charges.
What should I do if I get a text from a number claiming to be FasTrak?
Do not click any links or reply with information. Instead, log into your official FasTrak account through the website or app to check your account status directly. If you're concerned the text might be real, contact FasTrak customer service through the official website to ask whether they sent it.
Can I receive FasTrak alerts through email instead of text?
Yes, FasTrak offers email notifications as an alternative to text messages. You can set up email alerts in your account settings for many of the same events that trigger texts, such as low balance or payment confirmations. You can use email, text, or both depending on your preference.
Why did my FasTrak texts suddenly stop?
Your phone number may have been removed from your account, your phone carrier may be blocking the messages, or FasTrak may have experienced a service issue. Log into your account to confirm your phone number is still there and that text notifications are still enabled. If everything looks correct, contact FasTrak customer service.