Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski today said his office has been made aware of a scam targeting E-ZPass users with fake text messages. Jastrzemski said this scam has been going after customers of tolling agencies across the country that persuades them to enter personal and/or financial information on a phony website and it appears E-ZPass customers are now the latest targets.
“This is like so many other scams where the goal is to try to acquire as much of your personal information as possible,” said Jastrzemski. “The text message that is sent out looks official and has fooled many people.”
The text message is sent as an attempt to collect tolls on behalf of “NY Toll Services” or “E-ZPass Toll Services.” People receiving the text are directed to click a link to pay an outstanding toll balance to avoid a late fee. The toll account information provided in these texts is neither valid nor accurate. Real communications from E-ZPass New York will only refer customers to the following official websites: EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com
“It’s always important to know that legitimate government agencies will never ask for customer’s date of birth, social security number or other personally identifiable information in an unsolicited text message,” said Jastrzemski. “Always remember that if you are unsure about any text or email you receive, you should call the agency directly.”
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