E-ZPass Scams Are Coming to the Masses.

On By Littum

The department said EZDriveMA will never solicit payment via text, and all links associated with EZDriveMA will include the agency’s official domain — www.EZDriveMA.com.

Several variations of the scam messages warn Massachusetts customers of “excessive late fees” if the toll is not paid promptly. Two notices reviewed by the Globe indicate an unpaid balance of $6.99.

The FBI is aware of the scam and has received over 2,000 complaints reporting fraudulent texts representing toll collection from at least three states, according to an April statement from E-ZPass.

When fraudsters try to pass on sensitive information through text messages – also known as SMS service – it’s called a “flexible” scam.

In November, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority said customers received a scam text referencing an unpaid bill from a road in Kansas, the Globe previously reported. The agency instructed customers to check their account status on RITBA’s official website.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation said in a declaration that they will never send text messages requesting payment for tolls with late fees. Account holders should instead use the official NH Turnpike E-ZPass website or the NH E-ZPass mobile app.

“Customers who receive text messages claiming to be from “E-ZPass Toll Services” instructing them to click on a link to pay an outstanding toll to avoid a late fee should be aware that this message is fraudulent,” E-ZPass said in a statement. “E-ZPass warns customers to delete the texts immediately and not to click on any links embedded in the text messages.”

If you receive a smishing text, you can alert your phone provider by forwarding the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM) and you can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Centerofficials said. If you have already clicked on a link, MassDOT recommends taking precautions to secure your financial and personal information and dispute any unknown charges through your bank.

Alexa Coultoff can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her @alexacoultoff.