CONCORD — Scammers are targeting E-ZPass users in an attempt to steal cold, hard cash.
On Tuesday, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, Transportation Commissioner William Cass and Division of Motor Vehicles Director John Marasco warned the public about a scam, which includes a false claim that a user has unpaid tolls and they’ll be reported to the DMV, adding pressure to get victims to pay quickly.
“This scam is a reminder for New Hampshire residents to be suspicious when receiving unsolicited text messages seeking payment of any kind,” Formella wrote in a media release. “If you receive an unsolicited text message seeking payment, assume that it is a scam, do not respond, and do not click any links contained within the message.”
According to state leaders, potential victims receive a text message which appears to be from E-ZPass and says their vehicle has an unpaid toll bill. That message includes a link to make payment and warns the victim that, if the bill isn’t paid within 12 hours, late fees will be added, and the toll will be reported to the DMV, potentially impacting vehicle registration.
“NH E-ZPass will never send text messages requesting toll payments or late fees. If you receive an unsolicited text or email, do not click the link,” Cass wrote. “Always check your account through the official NH E-ZPass website or app to stay safe.”
To safely check your account, use the official NH E-ZPass website at ezpassnh.com or the associated mobile application, available on the App Store or Google Play Store.
“When the New Hampshire DMV learns from E-ZPass that a customer is in default of their toll payments, we notify that customer that a hold has been placed on their license plate registration via a letter sent through USPS mail — not by text message,” Marasco wrote. “We urge all residents to remain vigilant for scams and encourage anyone who feels unsure about the status of their registration to contact our Customer Service line directly at 603-227-4000.”
If you think you’ve been targeted by this scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
For questions or to report a scam, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 888-468-4454.
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