The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is warning EZDriveMA customers of a text message-based scam, also known as smishing. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.
The E-ZPass Group, comprised of toll agencies and companies in 19 states, informed customers nationwide in April about ongoing text messaging scam attempts. An FBI public service announcement in April noted it had received more than 2,000 complaints from at least three states and may be spreading.
In its announcement, the FBI also advised customers not to open any links and to delete any scam texts.
The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads. Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.
MassDOT is underscoring that
• EZDriveMA will never request payment by text.
• All links associated with EZDriveMA will include EZDriveMA.com
• The EZDrive smishing scam is part of a series of smishing scams that the FBI is aware of.
The FBI recommends individuals in any state that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:
• File a complaint with the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center at the FBI), www.ic3.gov, and be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
• Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
• Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number at (877) 627-7745.
• Delete any smishing texts received.
If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
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Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂 Thanks for the warning and explanation of the ruse used to try to steal stuff from people. Have a great weekend and safe travels! 🙂
I always check my Ezpass account about a week after returning from a trip.
I did have a discrepancy on trip through NY. Seems the receivers also picked up my motorcycle pass. The bike was inside the trailer and the pass was in the trunk of the bike. So much for having the pass in line of sight of the receiver. I now have the bike pass in an rf shielded bag.