E-ZPass toll scams: What to look for

E-ZPass toll scams trick people into believing fake messages about unpaid tolls that demand immediate payment. These scams use urgent language and malicious links to get you to pay without verifying if the claim is real. Knowing what to watch for helps you avoid falling victim.

This guide explains how these scams operate, how scammers obtain your number, and the tactics they use to make texts appear legitimate. You’ll also learn how fake toll websites operate, what personal data might be at risk, and how to safely confirm if you actually owe anything.

What are E-ZPass toll scams, and how do they work?

E-ZPass toll scams typically appear as a text message stating that you owe money for missed tolls. These fake notices often include a short deadline and a payment link. The goal? To make the request feel urgent, so you’ll pay quickly without checking if it’s real.

Scammers obtain people’s phone numbers from leaked databases, data brokers, or shady Telegram groups. Then they send out messages hoping to reach drivers who use toll roads. Since the amounts are usually small (like $4 or $8), many people pay to avoid the hassle.

Some texts lead to fake sites that copy E-ZPass and other official toll pages. These setups come from phishing kits bought on Telegram and the dark web. Along with money, the sites might also request personal information, which scammers can later use in identity theft scams.

Common signs of E-ZPass toll scams

Here’s how to spot E-ZPass toll scams, whether it’s emails from unofficial-looking senders, texts you haven’t signed up for, non-US country codes, same-day deadlines, and similar scare tactics, or charges from unfamiliar toll roads.

Sketchy links or emails

Email and SMS-based phishing scams (also known as smishing) try to trick you into clicking bogus links designed to steal your login and/or payment details. Fraudsters frequently use URL shorteners (like bit.ly or TinyURL) to mask their phishing sites.

They may also email you from their personal accounts or an address that resembles an official E-ZPass one. Keep an eye out for small differences, or just log into your E-ZPass account to avoid any surprises.

Unsolicited text messages

In the past, ignoring texts claiming to be from E-ZPass was a surefire way to avoid related toll scams. However, some areas now let you enable text alerts (e.g., for checking account balances). That said, you usually have to sign up for these alerts yourself.

Don’t remember enabling such a feature? Then ignore, block, and report any suspicious numbers to E-ZPass themselves, or file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 division.

Non-US country code

E-ZPass is a US-only service, so even if you have text alerts enabled, they should originate from a number starting with +1. Scammer numbers typically start with these country codes:

• +63 (The Philippines)
• +44 (The UK)
• +55 (Brazil)
• +243 (Congo)
• +65 (Singapore)

Of course, some E-ZPass toll scammers may try to use Caller ID spoofing to make their number seem legit. To stay on the safe side, sign into your E-ZPass account and check for any payment alerts.

Messages with a sense of urgency

E-ZPass usually notifies you of any outstanding fees well in advance (30 days or more). In contrast, scammers try to scare you with extremely short (sometimes same-day) deadlines in hopes you will pay without a second thought.

These texts and emails often come with threats of legal action, fines, or even loss of driving privileges or vehicle registration holds.

But E-ZPass itself doesn’t issue these kinds of legal threats. Instead, unpaid tolls may be sent to collections or local toll authorities, such as New York’s MTA or SunPass in Florida. These agencies then contact your state’s DMV, which can follow through with actual penalties.

Mentions of trips you didn’t take

Getting a text about an unpaid toll from somewhere you’ve never been is a clear red flag. Instead of targeting specific individuals, scammers send the same message to a large list of numbers, hoping someone will take the bait. As a result, people who don’t drive toll roads, don’t have an account, or don’t even live nearby might still get the text.

Poor grammar and awkward phrasing

Some E-ZPass toll scams still include poor grammar, random greetings, or phrases that don’t fit the situation. One look at the emoji-laden text above (paired with the phrase “Wishing you sunny days filled with happiness”) shows just how off the tone is. That’s not exactly standard language for a toll notice.

That said, bad grammar isn’t always a red flag anymore. Many attackers now utilize AI tools to craft more refined, convincing messages. So while strange phrasing can help you spot a scam, its absence doesn’t mean the text is safe, especially if other warning signs are there.

How to avoid E-ZPass toll scams

E-ZPass scam texts and emails may seem scary at first, but that’s what fraudsters are banking on. Here’s what you should do if you suspect the message is a scam:

• Avoid clicking on anything: Clicking on a phishing link may redirect you to a malicious website created to steal your payment data, logins, or other personal information. Or, it could lead to a surprise download that installs malware on your system.
• Never share private data: It should go without saying, but E-ZPass and official organizations will never ask for your password, Social Security number, payment info, and other sensitive data.
• Log in to your account or call E-ZPass: If you’re concerned that you may have missed a payment, check directly through your state’s official website or contact their support team by phone.
• Use a password manager: Even if you click a scam link by accident, a secure password manager won’t insert your login details on a fake website. Plus, such apps can generate and store unique passwords for all your other accounts.
• Block and report the scammer: Here’s how to block texts on Android and iPhone to prevent further contact from fraudsters. You should also report the number to the FTC or the previously mentioned IC3 division of the FBI.

What to do if you fell for an E-ZPass toll scam

While losing a few bucks to a scammer can be a sting, the real danger is if the attacker gains access to your sensitive data. Aside from reporting them to E-ZPass, the IC3, and/or the FTC, here’s what you can do to minimize the damage:

• Contact your bank or credit card provider to secure your accounts and potentially reverse the payment.
• Reset your passwords for E-ZPass, home banking, and other financial accounts.
• Check for signs of suspicious activity on your sensitive logins for a few weeks.

E-ZPass toll scams FAQs