Text scam targets Maryland road users
A recent text scam is targeting individuals by telling them they owe money for tolls.
In January, the Maryland Transportation Authority warned the public about the scam. According to the group, scammers are sending “smishing” texts to individuals claiming the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls.
“Be aware there are ongoing SMS phishing attacks designed to trick you into paying fake toll debt,” MDTA said. “The most recent attacks replicate the look and logo of correspondence from DriveEzMD.”
The group cautioned individuals to not share personal information or make payments using these messages, adding that DriveEzMD does not request payment via text message.
If you have received a text scam, MDTA suggests you do the following:
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
- Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number.
- Delete any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
Text messaging scam attempts such as this aren’t isolated to Maryland, with numerous others reported across the country.
Last year, the E-ZPass Group, comprised of toll agencies and companies in 19 states, informed customers nationwide about ongoing text messaging scam attempts.
“Scam attacks through emails and text messaging are on the rise in our country, and protecting the safety of E-ZPass customer information is of paramount importance to us,” PJ Wilkins, E-ZPass Group executive director, said in a statement.
The company said customers needed to “be vigilant in ensuring that their personal and financial information is not compromised by falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.”
In April 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it had received more than 2,000 complaints from at least three states over a one-month period. In its announcement, the agency advised the public not to open any links and to delete any scam texts. LL