Still getting texts warning of an unpaid E-ZPass toll? How to avoid getting scammed
If you're getting text messages warning that you could be subject to legal action for an unpaid E-ZPass toll, you're not alone.
The popular text message scam first appeared about a year ago and resurfaced in February. It hasn't gone anywhere since — in fact, Nashvillians are still getting them as of this week.
The texts are a type of scam called 'smishing,' which uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals.
Here's what else to know about the persistent scam messages.
The texts tend to stick to a now familiar pattern, generally impersonating the toll service for your state with varying levels of specificity. One recent message, for example, simply says, 'You have an outstanding toll. Your toll account balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay by April 4, 2025, you will be penalized or subject to legal action.'
From there, the texts usually include a payment link and instructions about how to access it: 'Please reply Y, then exit the SMS and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it.'
Earlier versions may also have included a specific dollar amount owed, referenced other toll services like FastTrak or warned that 'the matter may be reported to the DMV.'
After receiving thousands of complaints in early 2024, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center issued a warning about the scam that includes a few different action steps.
The first is to file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov, including the phone number from which the text originated and the website listed within the text.
The FBI warning also recommends checking whether you do indeed owe any outstanding fees by contacting a toll service directly, either on an account on a toll service's legitimate website or by calling their customer service number. The FBI also recommends deleting the texts. If you clicked a link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts, and dispute any unfamiliar charges.
Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him at ahornbostel@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: E-ZPass toll scam texts are still floating around. Here's what to do
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