The "Unpaid Toll' text below, which claims recipients' vehicles have an unpaid toll invoice and to avoid excessive late fees on their bills, they need to reply to the text, is a scam. Scammers are sending the text scam messages from a 63 country code assigned to the Philippines.
The Unpaid Toll Scam
"EZDriveMA: Your vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice, and to avoid excessive late fees on your bill, pay your fee by January 30, 2025. [url] (Please reply to Y, then exit the SMS, open the SMS activation link again, or copy the link to Safari browser and open it)"
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is warning EZDriveMA customers of a text message-based scam, also known as smishing. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.
The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads. Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.
MassDOT is underscoring that:
- EZDriveMA will never request payment by text.
- All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com
The EZDrive smishing scam is part of a series of smishing scams that the FBI is aware of. The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:
- File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, be sure to include:
- The phone number from where the text originated.
- The website listed within the text.
- Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
- Contact the toll service's customer service phone number at (877) 627-7745.
- Delete any smishing texts received.
If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
MassDOT encourages all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact us at www.EZDriveMA.com with any questions about EZDriveMA notifications.