Toll Scammers Targeting Drivers Nationwide

Liverpool, N.Y. — Scammers are targeting E-Z Pass users across the nation, sending fake text messages claiming recipients have unpaid toll bills. The scheme is frustrating travelers and catching the attention of officials in New York.Credit: Patrick Scanlon and Kobe Scales

Credit: Patrick Scanlon and Kobe Scales

Max Kvidera, a visitor from Colorado spending time at Syracuse University, says the messages have become a frequent nuisance. “Yes, I’ve gotten quite a few of those texts. I get them two or three times a week,” Kvidera said. 

Kvidera warns others to be cautious about links in these messages. “It’s not going to come in a text from something hotmail.com or whatever,” he added.

Another Syracuse resident, Matt Boile, is also annoyed by the constant texts. “They’re very persistent with how they keep coming back and replying to you, if you ignore them and stuff,” said Boile.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, more than 60,000 complaints related to E-Z Pass scams have been reported. Officials at the New York State Thruway Authority are working to address the issue.

“The number one thing is don’t click any links. That is the most important thing that I could tell somebody that may get one of these text messages. Do not click the links,” said John Dougherty, the Deputy Director of Media Relations and Public Information at the New York State Thruway Authority.

Credit: NY State Thruway Authority

Scammers often urge recipients to reply with "Y" or "YES," but Dougherty emphasized that this is not how E-Z Pass operates. “You actually have to opt in to getting a text message,” said Dougherty. “So we’re not sending these text messages just to anybody. You have to opt in to text messages to even receive one.”

Dougherty advises users to block suspicious numbers and be wary of messages from unfamiliar sources. “Just be vigilant. If you haven’t traveled on a thruway or a toll road, a red flag should go up. If you have an E-Z Pass account that is in good standing, you make auto payments and haven’t had any issues in the past, a red flag should go up.”

For legitimate information, visit the official website, EZPassNY.com. Users should note that the site will undergo refurbishments from April 9th to 14th.