E-ZPass Scam Targeting PA Drivers: What To Know

PENNSYLVANIA — State and federal authorities are warning Pennsylvania drivers about a new scam targeting E-Z Pass users.

In a statement released by PA Turnpike, the agency said the text message scam is designed to trick people into entering their banking or credit card information into a fake website.

PA Turnpike officials said state residents are receiving messages claiming to be sent by "Pa E-ZPass Toll Services" that direct them to click a link to pay an outstanding toll balance to avoid a late fee.

This message is fraudulent, the agency said, and drivers should delete the texts immediately and not click on any links embedded in the messages.

The FBI also issued a public service announcement about the scam. According to federal authorities, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received more than 2,000 complaints from at least three undisclosed states about the scam.

Officials think the scam is moving from state to state with nearly identical language and similar "outstanding toll amounts."

The phone number and the link provided, which impersonates the state's toll service name, seem to change between states.

E-ZPass customers who receive the text should file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Pennsylvania E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website. The PA Toll Pay app is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play store.