It’s good to see you finally here.

On Sunday, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed an E-ZPass toll scam, issuing a warning nearly a week after other agencies had already raised concerns. She notably failed to connect this scam to her contentious congestion pricing initiative.

In her belated email to the press, Hochul warned that scammers are inundating cell phones with fraudulent messages urging drivers to settle overdue toll fees or risk penalties. This scheme appears to exploit existing confusion surrounding the state’s congestion pricing strategy, which she introduced.

“Public safety is my foremost concern, which is why I’m urging New Yorkers to stay vigilant against these senseless scammers sending bogus E-ZPass text messages to collect funds for nonexistent unpaid tolls,” Hochul stated. “It’s important for consumers to understand that neither E-ZPass nor Tolls by Mail will ever ask for personal or sensitive information via text or email.”

This scam has been active for several weeks, with many organizations, including E-ZPass officials, having already issued alerts, as noted in last week’s report by The Post.

Hochul did not mention that the scam seems to be capitalizing on the rollout of her congestion pricing initiative, which launched on January 5 amid confusion for drivers entering Manhattan.

The state-backed plan imposes a $9 toll on vehicles accessing Manhattan below 61st Street during peak hours, aiming to alleviate Midtown congestion while generating revenue for MTA capital projects.

Hochul’s warning on Sunday also included remarks from New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley and Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare, despite the authority having already issued its alert last week.

“Our primary goal is to safeguard our customers from scams like these and to ensure they utilize the appropriate payment methods,” Hoare emphasized in the recent notice.