The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning the public of a phishing scam, targeting E-ZPass account holders requesting personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts, through text messages.
The Commission was advised Sunday afternoon of the scam. People with Pennsylvania phone numbers are receiving texts appearing to be from “Pa Turnpike Toll Services” centering around urgent requests with their account that would result in a late fee if the balance was not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past several days.
Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from E-ZPass or another toll agency are advised by the Commission not to click on the link.
E-ZPass account holders can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store, or Google Play store, said the Commission.
Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, a site dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies, said officials.