Got a text about unpaid EZ card charges? It’s a scam. Here’s what you need to do.

On By Littum

If you have recently received a text message from EZDriveMA or anyone else who claims you have “an unpaid toll” you should delete it.

That’s part of it an ongoing scam targeting EZ Pass users in several states — though even some drivers who don’t have EZ Pass have reported receiving the messages.

“We have heard from several people that they received a text about an unpaid toll from another state,” Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority announced earlier this week. “This is a common scam and advise you not to click on the link. If you are an RI E-ZPass customer, you can always check the status of your bill at http://ezpassritba.com.”

This scam text sent to a New Jersey E-ZPass user claims a small toll is due. But the link is fake.

This scam text sent to a New Jersey E-ZPass user claims a small toll is due. But the link is fake.

How to recognize the scam texts

The scam text messages – which in some cases appear to come from a phone number with a 401 area code – state the following:

“Your vehicle has an unpaid toll. To avoid an excessive late fee on your bill, please pay it promptly. Thank you for your cooperation! Total: $6.99”

They then include a link for payment that appears to go to the official Massachusetts EZ Pass website.

However, this link is fake and will direct you to a website where scammers will collect your personal and financial information.

The safest thing to do: Ignore and delete it.

EZDriveMA, Massachusetts’ Tolling Program, will never request payment via SMS.

With reports from the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: EZDriveMA texts are a scam. Here’s what you need to do to avoid losing money.