The E-ZPass Text Scam: Tips for Protection and Recognizing the Scam

We’ve all been there rushing through a toll booth, and grateful that E-ZPass keeps us moving. However, as convenient as E-ZPass is, scammers have found a way to use it for their schemes.

The E-ZPass Scam is where scammers send official-looking messages about unpaid tolls to trick people into providing their information and money. You can avoid this by recognizing red flags.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how scammers are using E-ZPass. Also, find out what could happen if you become a victim and some protection tips.

The E-ZPass scam has been widely reported nationwide, especially in states where E-ZPass is widely used.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has released a warning that scammers are increasingly targeting drivers with text messages. They often say that you have to pay an overdue toll fee.

Many drivers have fallen victim, thinking they really missed a payment.

This scam is a type of smishing, a combination of SMS and phishing. In it, messages are designed to look like they came from a reputable source, tricking people into providing personal information or money.

Here’s how the E-ZPass scam works:

• Step 1 - Data Collection: Scammers can attack you because they can access your personal data, such as your contact details and whether you use E-Zpass. They obtain this information through various methods, such as phishing, hacking companies that store your data, searching your social media, and buying data from the dark web.

• Step 2 - Sending the Message: You’ll receive a text that looks like from E-ZPass, claiming that you have an overdue toll payment.

• Step 3 - The Link: The text contains a link that will direct you to a fake payment portal. It will look just like the real E-ZPass portal.

• Step 4 - Data Request: On the website, you’ll be prompted to enter your personal data, including your E-ZPass account credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data.

• Step 5 - Exploitation: Once you provide the information, scammers can use it for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.

One way you can protect yourself is by looking out for red flags:

1. Unexpected Messages: If you know for sure that you paid all your tolls, then be skeptical if you receive a text about an unpaid toll.

2. Suspicious Links: If a text contains a link, don’t click it quickly. Instead, go look for the official websites online.

3. Urgent Language: Keep in mind that scammers will pressure you into acting quickly. So, be skeptical if an E-ZPass text threatens you and makes you pay immediately.

Now, here are things you should do once you know you received a scam text:

• DO NOT reply.
• DO NOT click the link or provide your information.
• Verify your toll fee by logging into the official E-ZPass site.
• Report and Delete the message.
• Call E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 to report the scammer.
• Block the sender’s number.

As the saying goes: prevention is better than cure. So, if the red flags point to a scam E-ZPass text, don’t engage anymore.

Overall, the E-ZPass text scam can lead to data theft and financial loss. So, stay alert and in the know on how to spot fake text messages.

But keep in mind: The E-ZPass scam is just one of the many tricks scammers use. And they happen because scammers can easily get your data.

Can you trace a fake number used for scams?

Generally, you can’t easily track the owner of a fake number. However, you can report the number or the account used so the company will ban it. This may also lead to an investigation, increasing the likelihood of tracing the fake number.

How do you know if a text is a scam?

There are 4 signs of a scam text: 1) a random promise of winning a prize, 2) a text about a family crisis, 3) abnormally long numbers — legitimate numbers usually have 10 digits or less, and 4) a refund claim for service overcharge.

How do you know if your phone has been hacked?

You’ll know your phone’s hacked if it has unusual device behavior like reduced battery life, suddenly locked accounts, new apps automatically installed, higher data use, overheating, constant notifications, and your camera and microphone indicator light is on.