In short
The E-ZPass Group says it does not hold customer accounts or collect tolls, so any message saying it is owed toll money is a scam, and advises going directly to your toll agency's website instead of using links or numbers in a text. New York's E-ZPass says it will never text or email asking for sensitive details such as card numbers or Social Security numbers.
Most common fake: Texts claiming you owe a small unpaid toll with a link to pay.
Safest check: Go directly to your own state's toll agency website by typing the address yourself, not from the text.
What E-ZPass and US toll agencies says
The E-ZPass Group says it does not hold customer accounts or collect tolls, so any message saying it is owed toll money is a scam, and advises going directly to your toll agency's website instead of using links or numbers in a text. New York's E-ZPass says it will never text or email asking for sensitive details such as card numbers or Social Security numbers. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Common fake E-ZPass and US toll agencies messages
- Texts claiming you owe a small unpaid toll with a link to pay
- Threats of late fees or penalties if you do not pay quickly
- Links to fake toll payment sites that collect card details and driver's license numbers
- Nearly identical messages sent from changing phone numbers across many states
E-ZPass and US toll agencies's real web addresses
Genuine E-ZPass and US toll agencies links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: e-zpassgroup.org is real, but e-zpassgroup-support-center.com or e-zpassgroup.org.account-check.top are not.
- e-zpassgroup.org
- e-zpassny.com
Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. Learn how to read a web address.
How to check a E-ZPass and US toll agencies message safely
- Go directly to your own state's toll agency website by typing the address yourself, not from the text
- Call your toll agency using a customer service number you know is real
- Check your toll account online for any genuine balance
How to report a fake E-ZPass and US toll agencies message
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone's report junk option, then delete it. Official details on consumer.ftc.gov
- File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, including the sender's phone number and the website link in the text. Official details on ic3.gov
Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. See the worldwide list.
If you clicked, paid or shared details
Act quickly. It makes a difference.
- If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card.
- If you entered a password, change it on the real E-ZPass and US toll agencies website or app and turn on two-step verification.
- Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account".
- Report the scam, then delete the message.
More help: “Unpaid toll” and parking-fine texts and what to do after a scam.
Questions people ask
Does E-ZPass and US toll agencies send messages asking for payment or personal details?
The E-ZPass Group says it does not hold customer accounts or collect tolls, so any message saying it is owed toll money is a scam, and advises going directly to your toll agency's website instead of using links or numbers in a text. New York's E-ZPass says it will never text or email asking for sensitive details such as card numbers or Social Security numbers.
How can I check if a E-ZPass and US toll agencies message is real?
Go directly to your own state's toll agency website by typing the address yourself, not from the text. Call your toll agency using a customer service number you know is real. Check your toll account online for any genuine balance.
How do I report a fake E-ZPass and US toll agencies message?
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone's report junk option, then delete it. File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, including the sender's phone number and the website link in the text.
I clicked a link in a fake E-ZPass and US toll agencies message. What should I do?
Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it.
Official sources and further reading
We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies.
- Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam (Federal Trade Commission)
- Smishing Scam Regarding Debt for Road Toll Services (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3))
- E-ZPass Group home page scam warning (E-ZPass Group)