Delaware DMV warns that E-ZPass will not reach out directly via text to collect tolls.
From fake texts about UPS packages to now messages about owing toll money and threats of fines – it’s hard to escape scams in today’s age.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Delaware Toll Operations are warning residents about a new wave of SMS phishing scams targeting E-ZPass customers.
The scam, which has seen a recent spike, involves fraudulent text messages attempting to trick recipients into paying fake toll debts or adding funds to their E-ZPass accounts.
The messages, which may originate from unknown or overseas phone numbers, are designed to create a sense of urgency and confusion.
E-ZPass communication
In a statement, DMV officials emphasized that E-ZPass Delaware will never reach out via text or email requesting payments for toll violations or account replenishment.
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“Phishing scams are designed to create a sense of panic, catching the receiver off guard and causing them to act without thinking,” said DMV Director Amy Anthony. “I urge everyone to think before clicking on any link, especially those asking for money or personal information.”
E-ZPass Delaware customers are urged to refrain from clicking on any links or responding to messages that claim to require payment for toll violations. The agency also stresses that no personal or financial information should be shared with unknown sources.
If you receive a suspicious text or email, the DMV recommends filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. When reporting, include the phone number from which the message originated and the website listed in the message.
For those who have inadvertently clicked on a fraudulent link or provided sensitive information, the DMV advises securing personal information, monitoring financial accounts, and disputing any unfamiliar charges with credit card companies or financial institutions.
For further information about your E-ZPass account, visit the official website here or contact the E-ZPassDE Customer Service Center in Downtown Dover, or call 1-888-397-2773.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help protect themselves and others from this ongoing scam.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
Source: delawarelive.com…