E-ZPass Toll Scam: Drivers across the U.S. are being targeted by a growing E-ZPass toll scam, with fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid toll violations. These messages, designed to steal personal and financial information, have been flooding inboxes, particularly in states like Illinois, New York, and Indiana.
The scam, known as “smishing” (a combination of SMS and phishing), tricks victims into clicking on malicious links, urging them to pay supposed unpaid tolls before penalties increase. However, authorities warn that these texts are fake and should be ignored.
How the E-ZPass Toll Scam Works
Scammers impersonate official toll collection agencies, using variations of legitimate names such as:
Illinois Tollway Services
E-ZPass Toll Invoice
Toll Roads Payment Due
The text messages often claim:
You have unpaid tolls that must be paid immediately.
Failure to pay will result in increased fines or a report to the DMV.
A link to make a payment, which leads to a phishing site designed to steal financial information.
FBI & FTC Issue Warnings
Authorities, including the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), have issued warnings about this widespread scam. In 2024 alone, over 60,000 complaints were filed regarding fraudulent toll payment texts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently urged residents to stay vigilant, emphasizing that these texts are fake and should be reported immediately.
How to Protect Yourself from the E-ZPass Scam
Do NOT click on any links in suspicious messages.
Verify unpaid tolls only through official websites, such as:
Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
Contact customer service using the official tollway numbers, not the one in the message
Final Warning
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but staying informed and cautious can help prevent falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Always double-check official sources before making any payments related to toll roads.
