A text claiming to be sent by E-ZPass is a scam, the agency warns.
The text says it's from E-ZPass Toll Services," and includes a link to pay an outstanding balance to avoid a late fee. But the link is not from E-ZPass.
Instead, the scam aims to trick customers into entering their personal data and financial information to a fake website, the E-ZPass Group warns.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, has received more than 2,000 complaints reporting fraudulent texts representing road toll collection service from at least three states.
Customers should delete the texts and not click on any links.
They also are advised to file a complaint with the IC3.
Anyone who has completed the form should immediately contact their financial institution and notify E-ZPass of any erroneous information posted to their accounts.
“With 89 percent of drivers along the Atlantic City Expressway utilizing E-ZPass, the South Jersey Transportation Authority wanted to convey this important information to our loyal patrons as quickly as possible,” SJTA Executive Director Stephen Dougherty said. “We encourage all E-ZPass customers to remain vigilant during this attempted criminal operation and encourage them to report anything suspicious to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
"The saying ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry’ holds very true in this case,” he added.
The FBI previously issued a warning about a wave of fraudulent SMS texts attempting to scam toll road users.
Complaint information indicates the scam appears to be moving from state to state.
The texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language. The “outstanding toll amount” has been similar among the complaints reported to the IC3.
Phone numbers appear to change between states.
