Scam texts posing as official messages from New York’s DMV and tolling agencies are hitting phones across the state, and officials say the goal is simple: steal your personal data.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned Friday that these messages are part of a wave of “spoofed” websites and phishing scams that look convincing — but are entirely fake. Some texts claim your license is about to be suspended or that you owe toll fees. Others impersonate E-ZPass or reference the new Congestion Relief Zone tolls.
“While I’m working hard to put money in New Yorkers’ pockets, scammers are using deceptive text messages to do the opposite,” Hochul said. “Enough is enough.”
The fake messages often come with a sense of urgency, demanding immediate payment and pressuring victims to act fast. They may include links to websites designed to look like the real DMV or E-ZPass pages. But clicking those links could expose your personal details or even install malware on your device.
Who’s being targeted
Older adults and other vulnerable residents are among the most common targets, state officials said. Hochul urged New Yorkers to check in on friends and relatives who might be at risk.
If you’ve already clicked a suspicious link or shared your info, officials say to act fast. You should freeze your credit, monitor account statements, run a virus scan, and change your passwords. Also contact your bank and other companies where you have accounts.
What real agencies are saying
DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder said the agency does not send text messages demanding immediate payment. Its website, dmv.ny.gov, now has a special section warning people about the scam.
E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will also never request sensitive information by text or email. Since congestion pricing began earlier this year, scammers have ramped up fake messages about tolls. Some texts claim to be from “NY Toll Services” — but no such agency exists.
“If people receive a text from an unknown number instructing them to pay the Congestion Relief Zone toll, it is not an authorized communication,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan.
What to watch for
State cybersecurity experts shared these red flags to spot a scam:
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Threatening or urgent language
- Website links that don’t match official URLs
- Requests for personal info via email or text
- Unusual sender names or email addresses
The Department of Information Technology Services also offers tips to avoid phishing scams.
If you’re unsure whether a message is legit, don’t click any links. Instead, call the agency directly. You can reach E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 or Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400.
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