E-ZPass scam texts: How to spot them, what to do if you get one

There’s a new, quite common E-ZPass scam text making the rounds — don’t fall for it.

In case you haven’t heard of it, the scam text in question claims the receiver has unpaid tolls and that they need to pay their balance in order to avoid consequences such as fines or losing their license. It also leads out to a link, which you should not click. We’ve got the details on the scam and what to do if you get the text.

What is the scam and how to spot it?

The scam text shouldn’t be hard to spot, should you receive it. It has the hallmarks of a classic scam. It typically features a link with a questionable URL, it insists on an urgent action (in order to make you not think it over), and it comes from a random number. In the case of this scam, the texts have usually come from a +63 country code, which is for the Philippines. The messages seem to threaten folks with consequences such as added fines or losing their license, which would be pretty extreme for unpaid tolls.

Folks online have posted examples of the scam.

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Mashable’s own Crystal Bell received a scam text, which, in her case, claimed she had unpaid Fast Trak tolls.

The texts have had slight variation but, in general, they follow that similar pattern.

What to do if you get the scam E-ZPass text

First and foremost Do. Not. Click. Any. Links.

“Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal your identity,” wrote the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in a blog about the scam.

The FTC recommended you not click the link, reach out to your local tolling agency to see if it’s legit, and report and delete the scam messages. Most phones have a “report junk” option for instances just like this.

So, in short: Stay vigilant and keep the delete button handy.