“State transportation officials” in New YorkCity are alerting drivers about an E-ZPass scam that emerged after the MTA’s congestion pricing plan began last month. Scammers are sending fake texts about unpaid tolls, threatening excessive late fees if payment isn’t made. Yet, residents are advised to avoid this scam, per the New York Post.
According to an alert from the E-Z Pass website, “We have recently learned of a SMS text message scam being presented as an attempt to collect tolls for the Congestion Relief Zone, formally known as the Central Business District Tolling Program.”
The statement continued, “Some of these messages reference the ‘NY Toll Services’” while others are using other fictitious names..Please be advised this is NOT an authorized communication from EZPass or the toll agencies associated with EZPass.
“We advise you NOT to access the website contained within the message if you should receive one,” it added.
The scam seems to be trying to take advantage of Governor Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing plan that began on Jan. 5. If you’re unaware, this plan charges a $9 toll for cars entering Manhattan below 61st Street during busy hours. Scammers are now trying to trick drivers out of their money.
Senior policy advisor for Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, Corey Bearak, told The Post, “My hope was the MTA would issue a warning via email to all E-ZPass users to beware of scam texts and not click any such links.”
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
