The E-ZPass Group sent out a notice warning customers about text messaging scams targeted at customers of tolling agencies across the United States.
The scam aims to deceive customers into entering their personal data and financial information into a fake website.
Customers receive fraudulent text messages claiming to be “E-ZPass Toll Services.” The link directs them to pay an outstanding toll balance to avoid a late fee. The toll account information provided in these texts is neither valid nor accurate.
E-ZPass warns customers to delete the texts immediately and not to click on any links embedded in the text messages. Customers who have clicked the link and completed the form should immediately contact their financial institution and notify E-ZPass.
In Maryland, customers should contact DriveEzMD at 1-888-321-6824 or live chat at www.driveezmd.com. In-person Customer Service Centers are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. View a list of center locations here.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received over 2,000 complaints reporting similar fraudulent texts in least three states. The complaint information indicates that the scam appears to be moving from state to state.
E-ZPass advises customers to file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov if they receive one of these texts.
“Scam attacks through emails and text messaging are on the rise in our country and protecting the safety of E-ZPass customer information is of paramount importance to us,” said PJ Wilkins, E-ZPass Group Executive Director, in a press release. “We will continue to work with our partnering states to alert our customers of any criminal activity that places them at risk, and we encourage E-ZPass customers to be vigilant in ensuring that their personal and financial information is not compromised by falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.”
