Governor Kathy Hochul is warning New York residents about a rising E-ZPass text message scam designed to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting consumers.
According to reports, scammers are sending fraudulent SMS messages claiming to collect unpaid tolls. The messages often originate from international numbers and prompt recipients to reply with “Y” to receive a payment link. These links lead to unofficial websites that attempt to capture sensitive personal data. Officials stress that E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will never send text messages requesting personal details such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or birthdates.
“Public safety is my top priority, which is why I’m urging New Yorkers to take caution against senseless scammers sending fake E-ZPass text messages in an attempt to collect money for fake, unpaid tolls,” Hochul said in a statement.
State officials are urging residents to verify any toll-related messages directly with E-ZPass by calling 1-800-333-8655 or Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400. Consumers can also visit the official websites at EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com to confirm their account status.
To protect against these scams, officials advise consumers to avoid replying to unsolicited texts, clicking suspicious links, or providing personal information. Fraudulent messages can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) or using built-in reporting features on mobile devices.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “As these types of scams become more frequent, we strongly encourage everyone to stay informed to minimize risks and protect personal information.”
Consumers who believe they have received a scam message can contact the New York State Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-697-1220 or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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