Never Click on Links in Unsolicited Emails or Texts – Phishing messages often contain links to fraudulent websites that steal your information. Even if the message looks official, do not click on any links or download attachments. Instead, go directly to the official E-Z Pass website by typing the URL manually into your browser.

Verify Before You Pay – If you receive a message claiming you owe toll fees, do not provide any personal or financial details. Instead, check your account by visiting the official E-Z Pass website or calling customer service using the phone number listed on your billing statement or the company’s website.

Beware of Spoofed Caller IDs – Scammers can manipulate caller ID through a technique called spoofing, making it appear as if the text or email is coming from a legitimate source. Just because the sender’s number looks familiar or official does not mean the message is real. Always verify suspicious claims directly with E-Z Pass.

Look for Red Flags in Scam Messages – Many phishing attempts contain generic greetings (e.g., “Dear Customer”), urgent threats (e.g., “Your account will be suspended”), grammatical errors, and unusual web links. Official E-Z Pass communications typically include your name and account details, while scam messages are often vague and demand immediate action.

Check Website Legitimacy – If you are directed to a website to make a payment, carefully examine the URL. Scammers often create deceptive web addresses, such as “myturnpiketollservices.com” or similar variations, to trick users. Use Google’s Safe Browsing Transparency Report (https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search) to verify whether a website is trustworthy before entering any sensitive information.

Report Fraudulent Messages – If you receive a suspicious email or text about unpaid tolls, report it immediately. Contact your E-Z Pass provider, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and notify your state’s consumer protection agency. This helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.