Officials are sounding the alarm over a recent E-Z Pass scam targeting drivers with deceptive text messages related to the new congestion pricing plan in New York City. As congestion pricing took effect last month, scammers began sending texts claiming to be from "NY Toll Services" or other fictitious entities, stating there's an "unpaid toll invoice" for the congestion relief zone. Drivers are warned of incurring "excessive late fees on their bill" if the purported tolls are not paid, as reported by ABC7NY.
However, these warnings are fake, and E-ZPass NY has confirmed they never ask customers to click a link to pay tolls. Rather, any legitimate communications concerning toll invoices will direct users exclusively to the verified E-ZPassNY.com website, especially for those who have opted in for mobile alerts. The strategy employed by the scammers capitalizes on the confusion and frustration among drivers caused by the new $9 toll imposed on cars entering Manhattan below 61st Street during peak hours, a measure meant to reduce congestion and fund MTA capital projects, as detailed by The New York Post.
Authorities, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York State Thruway Authority, are urging residents to be vigilant and not to click on any provided links in these fraudulent messages. The deception appears to be an opportunistic ploy in the wake of Governor Kathy Hochul's congestion pricing plan, launched in early January. Of particular concern, is that these messages sometimes prompt recipients for personal information, such as social security numbers — a tactic not used by the real E-ZPass NY.
A statement obtained by The New York Post from Corey Bearak, senior policy advisor for the group Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, expresses displeasure with the MTA's silence on the matter. "My hope was the MTA would issue a warning via email to all E-ZPass users to beware of scam texts and not click any such links," Bearak said. "To date that has not happened." Westchester County DA Susan Cacace also echoed warnings about the scam this week. Meanwhile, victims are advised to contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center if they've interacted with these deceitful communications.
In an effort to combat the scam's spread, transportation officials are providing clear indicators of legitimate E-ZPass correspondence, which will never ask for "personally identifiable information" and always direct users to official websites such as EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com, as noted by The New York Post. By staying informed and cautious, drivers can help ensure they don't fall prey to these opportunistic fraudsters attempting to exploit the latest traffic policy changes in NYC.
