Automated tolling systems, which rely on easily forged license plates as a sole identifier, are creating a new vector for fraud. In Weld County, Colorado, scammers are cloning legitimate plates, placing them on “ghost cars,” and running up toll violations. This flawed system externalizes the consequences, burdening the registered plate owner with fraudulent bills and the task of proving their innocence to both law enforcement and tolling agencies. The process requires victims to file police reports and formally dispute charges, a significant bureaucratic hurdle. This highlights a critical failure mode in automated enforcement, where the technology’s convenience for operators comes at the cost of due process and security for the public.
When towns rely on scameras clone plates follow.