Received a Suspicious E-ZPass Text? Here’s How to Spot the Scam and Stay Safe!

A new scam is making the rounds, and it’s called “smishing.” This clever scheme tricks people into giving up personal information by pretending to be from toll companies like E-ZPass, SunPass, and others. Scammers send fake text messages claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls. They often include a link that asks you to settle the bill.

These messages usually threaten harsh penalties, like fines or even losing your driver’s license if you don’t pay up. It’s a stressful scenario designed to catch you off guard.

How to Spot the Scam

It’s not hard to recognize this scam. The texts usually come from random phone numbers or email addresses. They contain a suspicious link you shouldn’t click on and create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly.

Often, these scammers use a +63 country code, which is for the Philippines. They may ask for small payments, making their demands feel less suspicious since tolls aren’t generally large. This tactic works because many people expect larger amounts from scams, so they let their guard down.

But here’s the catch: the money isn’t their main goal. The scammers want your personal and financial information. When you click the link, it takes you to a fake website where they can collect your details.

What to Do If You Get the Scam Text

If you receive one of these scam texts, don’t click any links! Report the message as spam and delete it immediately.

If you clicked the link and provided any information, act quickly. Contact your bank and credit card companies to freeze your accounts. It’s also a good idea to consider freezing your credit to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.

If you clicked the link but didn’t enter any personal information, experts recommend putting your device in airplane mode. Then scan it for malware, back up your data, and change your passwords.

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