A new smishing scam is targeting Americans, with fraudsters posing as toll collection services to steal personal and financial information. Victims receive fake text messages claiming they owe unpaid tolls, urging them to click a link or provide sensitive details.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and toll agencies warn that E-ZPass and Tolls By Mail will never request payments via text or email. In 2023, New York reported nearly 27,000 internet crime complaints, with losses totaling $750 million. Authorities urge residents to ignore suspicious texts, delete them, and avoid clicking any links.
If you receive a scam message, report it to E-ZPass NY (1-800-333-8655) or Tolls By Mail (1-844-826-8400), and file a complaint with law enforcement or the FCC.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
