Scams Related to E-ZPass Tolls Have Resurfaced. Here’s What to Do if You Are a Victim.
Be careful with your messages.
Recently, a type of scam has resurfaced involving fraudulent text messages related to tolls, particularly those pretending to be from services like E-ZPass or FasTrak. This type of scam has been around for some time and has adapted over the years, but its overall scheme remains the same: individuals receive a message from an unknown number claiming there are unpaid tolls or fees, urging the recipient to resolve the situation immediately to avoid consequences.
It is important to stay vigilant, as these messages are designed to create a sense of urgency and prevent victims from assessing the situation clearly. Typically, the text contains a link that may redirect to a deceptive site intending to steal personal information. Recently, this scam's evolution has been noted on platforms like Reddit, and it has become more common in recent months.
To identify these fraudulent messages, there are some signs to watch for. First, it is crucial to verify the sender's number; initially, these messages came from a +63 country code, associated with the Philippines, but they have now also been reported from random email addresses. However, it is important to remember that E-ZPass and other toll services do not use such numbers or emails to communicate.
Secondly, one should never click on the link included in the message. This often leads to websites that look suspicious and unreliable. Finally, it is relevant to understand that such companies would never threaten to suspend a driver's license via a text message.
If a message like this is received, it is advisable not to interact with the link and to use the delete and report as spam option that most phones offer. If there is concern about the possible legitimacy of the information contained in the message, it is suggested to contact the local toll agency to verify its authenticity. In general, it is wise to be cautious with any message from an unknown number, and if there is any doubt about its authenticity, it is likely a scam.
