There’s a new wave of fraud hitting phones across our region — and it’s clever. People are receiving urgent text messages claiming they owe unpaid tolls to E-ZPass® or another tolling agency. The message warns of late fees, penalties, or even legal action if payment isn’t made immediately.
It looks official. It feels urgent. And that’s exactly the point. Let’s break down what’s happening — and how to stay one step ahead.
What This Scam Looks Like
Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated. Here’s what to watch for:
- An urgent text message claiming you owe an “outstanding” or “overdue” toll.
- Threats of penalties if you don’t pay immediately.
- A link that looks legitimate but has subtle differences in the web address (extra words, strange endings, or misspellings).
- Personal details included — such as your vehicle’s make, model, license plate number, or even a photo of a car. (This information can be pulled from public records or past data breaches.)
- A fake website that asks you to “pay now” and enter card numbers, account details, or login credentials.
Once you enter that information, criminals can attempt to access your bank account, open new accounts in your name, or sell your information.
Red Flags to Look For
If you see any of these signs, pause:
- You weren’t expecting a toll charge.
- The message pressures you with phrases like: Final notice, Legal action pending, and License suspension
- The web address looks slightly off, and the message demands immediate action.
Fraud relies on speed. Protection relies on slowing down.
How to Protect Yourself
Here’s what we encourage every member to do:
1. Don’t Click the Link
Even tapping a suspicious link can expose you to malware or a fake payment site.
2. Don’t Reply
Responding confirms your phone number is active, which can lead to more scam attempts.
3. Go Directly to the Source
If you’re concerned about a toll charge:
- Type the official tolling company website into your browser yourself.
- Or call the number listed on your official statement or transponder — not the number in the text.
4. Verify Before You Pay
Log in through a trusted website or mobile app to check for legitimate charges before entering payment information.
Remember This
If a text asks you to click a link to pay a bill you weren’t expecting: Slow down. Don’t click. Check the account yourself.
Text message scams — also known as “smishing” — are rising because they work. We’re busy. We’re on our phones. We respond quickly. That’s exactly why fraudsters use urgency. The best defense isn’t fear — it’s awareness.
As always, if you ever feel unsure about a message from Nymeo, reach out to us directly using the number listed on our official website. Stay alert. Stay skeptical. Stay protected. Additional information about scams can be found on our website.
Category: Financial Literacy & Safety
