PA Turnpike EZ-Pass customers targeted in text alert scam. What to know
The ease of use that comes with the E-ZPass toll system also makes it a target for crooks, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission doesn't want its customers to become victims of this latest phishing scam.
Fraudsters launch the scam by contacting targets through text messages or e-mails.
"On Sunday afternoon, April 7, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was advised of a phishing scam that is targeting E-ZPass account holders requesting personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts," read a portion of the agency's alert. "The texts purport to be from 'PA Turnpike Toll Services,' and center around urgent requests with the account that would result in a late fee if the overdue balance does not get settled.
"Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past several days."
I received a suspicious text about my E-ZPass account. What should I do?
If E-ZPass customers receive any sort of suspicious or fraudulent correspondence indicating its from the turnpike commission, simply delete it. There are additional steps you can take as well.
"Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from E-ZPass or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store, or Google Play store," read the turnpike commission's alert. "Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
"That is a site dedicated to sharing information on internet crimes across law enforcement agencies."
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E-ZPass scam hits months after hike in tolls
This E-ZPass scam comes only a few months after the turnpike commission moved to raise its E-ZPass fee structure.
The 5% increase for E-Z Pass and Toll by Plate customers went into effect on Sun., Jan. 7.
PA Turnpike raises E-ZPass tolls: How much higher tolls will you be paying in 2024 to use the PA Turnpike?
For passenger vehicles, the turnpike commission's most common rate for motorists using Toll By Plate increased from $4.40 to $4.70. For E-ZPass customers, the most common rate increased from $1.80 to $1.90.
The most common rates for tractor-trailers will be $15.20 for E-ZPass users and $30.90 for Toll By Plate drivers, increased from $14.40 and $29.40, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA Turnpike Commission warns of E-Z Pass scam through texts and emails
