State officials warn of E-ZPass text message scam

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Thruway Authority are warning New Yorkers of a recent E-ZPass text message scam that has been trying to collect tolls from recipients.

The scam texts are sent from an international phone number and request the recipients to reply with “Y” to receive a link, which contains an unofficial website, the NYS Thruway Authority said.

Officials said E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will never send a text or email asking for personal information such as credit card information, a birthday, social security number or other identifying information.

A real text will come from 39769 and start with, “EZPNY.” It also contains official websites, such as tollsbymailny.com or e-zpassny.com.

If you’re unsure of whether a text is real or a scam, officials urge recipients to contact E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655, Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400 or email [email protected] for help.

NYS Thruway Authority officials said complaints regarding fake text messages can be filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center here.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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