Beware of the E-ZPass Scam: Don't Fall for Fake Toll Messages!
Hey everyone, let’s talk about a scam that’s making its way across the country—fake text messages about unpaid tolls. If you’ve received one of these messages claiming you owe money for a toll violation, you’re not alone. These scammers are targeting people nationwide, trying to trick them into paying bogus fees and, more importantly, stealing their credit card information.
Here’s how it works: You get a text message saying you have an outstanding toll balance, usually for a small amount—maybe under $25. But the message includes threats, like additional fines, suspended vehicle registration, or even reports to state motor vehicle agencies. The message looks official and often includes a link to a website that mimics real toll collection agencies like E-ZPass, SunPass, or FasTrak. The goal? To get you to enter your personal and financial details.
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But here’s the truth—none of it is real! Federal agencies like the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are all tracking this scam, which has been spreading like wildfire. These cybercriminals are using thousands of fake websites, often registered with unusual domain extensions, to make their scam look legitimate. Many of these fraudulent sites originate from China, with infrastructure linked to major cybercrime operations.
One security researcher even found over 57,000 malicious URLs associated with this scam. These scammers are relentless—they register thousands of new domains daily, making it tough for authorities to shut them down quickly. They also use burner phones and email-based messaging systems, making it even harder to trace their activities.
So, how can you protect yourself? First and foremost, never click on links in unexpected text messages. If you think you may have an unpaid toll, go directly to the official toll agency’s website by typing in the URL yourself—never trust links sent via text. You should also report scam messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and blocking the number.
Remember, scammers rely on creating urgency and fear to make people act without thinking. But by staying cautious and verifying any suspicious messages before taking action, you can keep your personal information safe. Spread the word—don’t let these cybercriminals win!
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