Massachusetts Department of Transportation Warns EZDriveMA Users About Growing Text Scam

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently warned Bay Staters in a recent about an ongoing scam targeting EZDriveMA users through deceptive text messages, a practice commonly known as smishing.

EZDriveMA is the state’s electronic tolling system. It collects tolls for those who drive in the following locations:  the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90), Tobin Memorial Bridge, Sumner Tunnel, Callahan Tunnel, and Ted Williams Tunnel.

Scammers are impersonating tolling agencies, sending fraudulent messages that demand immediate payment for unpaid tolls. MassDOT is urging people to not fall for these scams, according to a press release .

Smishing is a method fraudsters employ to trick individuals into sharing private financial information by sending fraudulent text messages that look like they come from legitimate sources. In the case of EZDriveMA, scammers have been sending messages claiming that customers owe outstanding toll balances and telling them to visit fraudulent web sites where the scammers request personal information, including debit card numbers.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said it will never request toll payments via text message. It also urges customers not to click any links in suspicious messages. The state’s transportation agency emphasizes that all links associated with EZDriveMA will contain the official web site, www.EZDriveMA.com.

How The Scam Works

This scam is part of a larger trend of smishing attacks, in which cybercriminals use text messages to deceive people into sharing sensitive information. The scammers’ messages contain urgent language, claiming that a customer’s toll balance is past due and that they must use the link in the text message to pay the toll. It then leads people to a site designed to look like EZDriveMA.

Once someone clicks the link and provides information, scammers can misuse the data for identity theft, unauthorized purchases, and various forms of fraud.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation says it never makes legitimate toll-related communications via text messages. Instead, the state agency wants customers to visit the EZDriveMA web site if they have concerns about their toll balance.

FBI’s Recommendations

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also aware of the growing number of smishing scams, including this one. The F.B.I. recommends that individuals who receive fraudulent text messages take the following actions, according to the press release:

1.  File a complaint with the IC3,www.ic3.gov and be sure to include:  The telephone number from where the text message originated and the web site listed within the text message.
2.  Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate webs ite. 
3.  Contact the toll service’s customer service telephone number at (877) 627-7745. 
4.  Delete any smishing texts received. 
5.  If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges. 

Don’t Be A Scam Victim 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation urges all of its customers to remain cautious and skeptical if they receive any text messages from someone claiming to be from EZDriveMA. Though scammers will often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into a quick response, people who receive such messages ought to verify any claims through legitimate channels before providing personal information, the state’s transportation agency says.

For any questions or concerns about notifications, state transportation officials urge people to visit the official EZDriveMA web site or contact customer service.

More information about EZDriveMA is available here.