If an email looks like it is from E-ZPass, contact E-Z Pass customer service to confirm that it is really from the agency.
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“Everyone must be on guard for these fraudsters attempting to con you out of your hard-earned funds and account information”, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend told WTOP. Clicking on the link will open a website that appears legitimate, and will ask for credit card information, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The culprits may not even know if their targets used E-Z Pass or other tollway transponders, but cast a wide net in hopes of catching the millions that do.
To avoid most phishing scams, one common piece of advice is to hold all business communications to the standard “Don’t call me; I’ll call you”. (This is especially likely when you’re driving through an area of the country unfamiliar to you.).
The emails claim, fraudulently, to involve outstanding toll bills.
If you think you might be at risk, check the website of your transponder services. In neither case will you get an email demanding payment. Once a victim clicks on a link in the email, they are taken to a site that resembles the authentic E-ZPass site and are instructed to provide personal and financial data. It urges you to pay right away by using a link that’s included in the e-mail.
To check on account balances, Maryland pass-holders can call 1-800-321-6824 or log into their accounts through the Maryland Transportation Authority’s E-ZPass page at EZPassMD.com.
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Don’t respond to any emails that ask for personal or financial information.
