Warning, New Scam Targets New Yorkers and Unpaid Tolls

Have you received a strange text alleging that you have an unpaid toll? You're not alone.

Hudson Valley Residents Receive Strange Toll Text Message

Over the last few days, we have noticed several Hudson Valley residents sharing photos of a random text message allegedly from "Tolls By NY." The text message alleges that the recipient owes a balance for an unpaid toll.

It goes on to say that they will be fined $150.00 if they don't follow the link to pay the small balance. I received the text on Friday, July 29th, 2024 and it looked like this:

Could it be real? Do all the people who received the 'unpaid toll' text have a balance of $5.89?

EZ Pass Releases Statement on Toll Scam

It looks like these text messages have been confirmed to be a scam.

The New York State Thruway Authority writes on their website that NYTollServices.com is "not affiliated with Tolls By Mail NY" adding that if you received a text message, like the one posted above, do not click on the link as it could be a phishing scam.

They also provide a photo of the actual text you would receive a text from Tolls By Mail NY, take a look below:

If you noticed in the original text message that was sent, Tolls was spelled "toll" and Mail was spelled "mails." 2 mistakes that are easily overlooked.

Tolls by Mail also has been alerted to the scam. On their website they write "We have recently learned of a SMS text message scam being presented as an attempt to collect Tolls on behalf of “NY Toll Services”" and they add

We advise you NOT to access the website contained within the message if you should receive one. E-ZPass New York will never ask for a customer’s Date of Birth, Social Security Number, or other personally identifiable information.

 

What To Do If You Receive Toll Text Scam in NY

The FBI has been looking into these Phishing Scams, which they call Smishing, since March 2024. Since then, they have received over 2,000 complaints over 3 states.

Smishing is a " A social engineering attack using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals."

If you receive a Smishing text the FBI suggest the following:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, be sure to include:
   1. The phone number from where the text originated.
   2. The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.