It was $30 or $35.

I think you need to look up what the definition of “scam” is. If you check the RI site for tolls. They tell you up front the late fee schedule.

It’s not a scam. The amount is irrelevant.

You are spending more time arguing on Reddit about it being a scam as opposed to just. I dunno. Get an EZ pass and connect it to a credit card. The toll will be paid every time right then and there.