MassDOT warns about E-ZPass ‘smishing’ scam

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has issued a warning about an apparent “smishing” scam.

Scammers are allegedly sending out fraudulent text messages, claiming to represent tolling agencies in Massachusetts and across the country.

These messages aim to trick users into sharing sensitive credit card information by requesting payment for unpaid tolls. MassDOT clarified that the scammers are targeting phone numbers at random and they are not necessarily phone numbers associated with an E-ZPass account.

MassDOT warns people not to click on links within unsolicited texts, emails, or other messages that claim to be from EZDriveMA or other toll agencies.

EZDriveMA will never request payment via text, officials said. The agency would also never direct a user to a link that doesn’t begin with www.ezdrivema.com.

This and other smishing scams are on the FBI’s radar, officials added.

The FBI recommends that anyone who receives a fraudulent message file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, including the phone number where the text originated and the website listed within the text; go to the toll service’s legitimate website to check for any actual account messages; contact the toll service by phone; delete any smishing messages; and if any links were clicked or personal information shared, take efforts to secure financial accounts and other information.