ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning to consumers in New York on Sunday regarding fraudulent E-ZPass text message scams.

Reports indicate that individuals have been receiving SMS messages that falsely claim to collect unpaid tolls. These deceptive texts often originate from international numbers and instruct recipients to respond with “Y” to access a link that leads to an unofficial website. It’s important for consumers to remember that E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will never request sensitive information, such as credit card details, birthdays, or Social Security numbers, via text or email.

“The safety of the public is my highest priority, which is why I am urging New Yorkers to exercise caution against these senseless scams targeting them with fake E-ZPass messages in an effort to collect for nonexistent unpaid tolls,” said Governor Hochul. “Consumers need to recognize that E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail would never ask for personal and sensitive information via text or email.”

If you receive a message that seems suspicious, you can directly contact E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 or Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400. You can also visit the official websites by entering the URLs in your browser: EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com.

If you encounter a fraudulent or questionable SMS text message, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection provides a Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding state holidays. Additionally, consumer fraud reports can be filed at any time with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley emphasized, “Scammers are evolving, utilizing advanced technologies and tactics that can make their messages appear legitimate. It’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the signs indicating a potential scam and understand the steps to take if they receive such messages. I encourage all New Yorkers to heed our Division of Consumer Protection advice and remain vigilant when dealing with messages from unknown sources.”

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare stated, “Our priority is to safeguard our customers against scams like these and to ensure they utilize official payment channels. As these scams proliferate, we urge everyone to stay alert and informed to mitigate risks and secure personal information. When in doubt, always reach out to E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail through the official contact methods before engaging with any links received via text.”

Here are some tips to follow if you or someone you know receives a dubious SMS text message:

• Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers, as it could lead to scams. Be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal information or payments and avoid replying.
• Do not click on any links within the message or try to access any websites mentioned in the text.
• Report and delete the message using your phone’s “report junk” feature. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider. Utilize built-in reporting functions on your devices or email services. Reporting phishing attempts plays a vital role in recognizing and combating these threats.
• Block the sender’s email or phone number.
• Exercise caution. If you are uncertain about the authenticity of a message, it’s best not to engage with the sender.

Interacting with links in fraudulent texts can jeopardize your personal data and finances. Scammers could potentially install malware or ransomware on your device, compromising your online activity or holding your data hostage until a payment is made. They may also gain unauthorized access to sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or banking PINs. This data can then be exploited to obtain loans, credit cards, or execute other financial frauds in your name.