Tue Feb 25 06:20:00 UTC 2025: ## NYC E-ZPass Users Targeted in Text Message Scam
**New York, NY** – A surge in sophisticated scams has prompted warnings from authorities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is alerting New Yorkers to a new text message scam targeting E-ZPass customers. Scammers are posing as toll collection agencies, sending texts claiming unpaid tolls and demanding immediate payment via a fraudulent link. These messages, often beginning with names like “New York Toll Services” or “E-Z Pass,” mimic legitimate communications, prompting users to click on links that lead to phishing attempts.
According to a Fox 5 report, victims who clicked the link were then asked to provide credit card information, granting scammers access to their banking and personal information. Professor Adam Scott Wandt of John Jay College of Criminal Justice highlights the risk, noting the prevalence of data breaches and the ease with which scammers can exploit compromised information.
The official E-ZPass customer service center confirmed the scam and is actively raising awareness through social media, emails, and press releases. They emphasize that legitimate E-ZPass communications only occur if the customer has signed up for alerts, and they never request money or personal information via text message.
Experts advise consumers to remain vigilant. Suspicious texts should be reported as junk and deleted. To verify the authenticity of any toll payment request, contact the E-ZPass customer service center directly. The FTC recommends forwarding scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) or reporting them through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. While cellphone carriers should ideally intercept these messages, consumers should exercise caution and avoid clicking on links from unknown or suspicious senders. This scam is a reminder of the increasing sophistication of SMS scams, which cost Americans an estimated $330 million in 2022.
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