5 Tips to Avoid Massachusetts Toll Scams

Massachusetts drivers are increasingly targeted by toll scams, particularly through text messages known as “smishing” (a blend of SMS and phishing). These scams trick people into sharing personal and financial information by pretending to be from legitimate toll agencies like EZDriveMA. With a surge in reports in 2024 and 2025, understanding these scams is crucial for staying safe. This article explains how these scams work, how to spot them, and what to do if you encounter one, all in simple language for easy understanding.

Tips to Avoid Massachusetts Toll Scams

1. Don’t Click Unknown Links: Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails claiming to be from EZDriveMA or other toll agencies. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
2. Verify Directly: If you’re worried about a toll bill, visit the official EZDriveMA website (www.EZDriveMA.com) or call their customer service at 877-627-7745 to check your account.
3. Delete Suspicious Messages: If you receive a text about unpaid tolls, delete it immediately. Legitimate toll agencies like EZDriveMA never request payments via text.
4. Check for Red Flags: Look for signs like foreign phone numbers (e.g., +63), spelling errors, or urgent demands for payment. These are common in scam messages.
5. Report the Scam: Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your phone carrier, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

What Are Massachusetts Toll Scams?

Toll scams in Massachusetts are fraudulent attempts to trick drivers into believing they owe money for unpaid tolls. Scammers send text messages or emails claiming to be from EZDriveMA, the state’s electronic tolling system. These messages often state that you owe a small amount, like $4.15, $6.99, or $11.50, and urge you to pay immediately through a provided link to avoid late fees or penalties. However, these links lead to fake websites that steal your personal details, such as your name, address, credit card number, or driver’s license information.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has repeatedly warned that EZDriveMA never requests payments via text. These scams, known as smishing, are part of a nationwide problem affecting multiple states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 2,000 complaints about toll-related smishing scams across at least three states by April 2024, with the problem growing since then.

How Do These Scams Work?

Scammers use clever tactics to make their messages seem real. Here’s how they typically operate:

• Random Targeting: Scammers send texts to random phone numbers, often with Massachusetts area codes, hoping to reach drivers who use toll roads. They don’t need specific information about you or your toll account.
• Urgent Language: The messages create a sense of urgency, claiming you owe a small toll amount and must pay now to avoid high late fees or legal action, like being reported to the DMV.
• Fake Websites: The links in these texts lead to websites that mimic the official EZDriveMA site. These fake sites ask for personal and payment details, which scammers use for identity theft or fraudulent charges.
• Convincing Details: Scammers use official-sounding names like “EZDriveMA” or “Massachusetts Toll Services” and include realistic details, such as specific toll amounts or references to local highways like the Tobin Bridge.

For example, a typical scam text might read: “EZDriveMA: Your recent journey on Massachusetts E-ZPass toll roads has resulted in a charge of $6.99. Settle your balance at [fake link] to avoid late fees.” These messages often come from unusual phone numbers, sometimes with international country codes like +63 (Philippines).

Why Are These Scams So Common?

Toll scams are widespread because they exploit common behaviors and trust in official systems. Here’s why they’re effective:

• Widespread Use of E-ZPass: Many Massachusetts drivers use E-ZPass, making them more likely to believe a toll-related message is legitimate.
• AI and Technology: Scammers use artificial intelligence to create convincing texts and websites, making scams harder to spot. This has led to an increase in smishing, with Americans receiving an average of 14 scam messages daily across texts, emails, and social media.
• Social Engineering: Scammers play on emotions, using urgent demands to pressure people into acting quickly without checking the message’s authenticity.
• Low Risk for Scammers: Sending mass texts is cheap and easy, and scammers can operate from anywhere, often outside the U.S., making them hard to catch.

MassDOT notes that these scams surged in Massachusetts in 2024, with a notable increase during the holiday season and into early 2025. The problem isn’t limited to Massachusetts; similar scams have targeted drivers in other states, showing a coordinated effort by cybercriminals.

How to Spot a Toll Scam

Recognizing a scam is the first step to staying safe. Here are key signs to watch for:

• Unsolicited Messages: Any unexpected text or email about tolls is likely a scam, especially if it demands immediate payment.
• Foreign or Strange Phone Numbers: Legitimate agencies use local or toll-free numbers. Be wary of texts from international codes or unfamiliar numbers.
• Suspicious Links: Official EZDriveMA links always include “www.EZDriveMA.com.” Fake links may use similar names like “ezdrivemas.com” or unrelated domains like “paymentlag.top.”
• Spelling or Grammar Errors: Some scam messages contain small errors, like “EZDrive LDW” instead of “EZDriveMA,” or unusual phrasing.
• Unrealistic Threats: Claims of high late fees or immediate DMV reporting for small toll amounts are designed to scare you into acting fast.
• Requests for Personal Info: Toll agencies don’t ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number or driver’s license via text or email.

For example, one driver noticed a scam text because it came from a foreign number and mentioned “EZDrive LDW,” which didn’t match the official EZDriveMA name. Another clue is if the text asks you to reply with a “Y” to activate a link, a tactic legitimate agencies don’t use.

What to Do If You Receive a Scam Text

If you get a suspicious text about unpaid tolls, follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Don’t Click or Respond: Avoid clicking any links or replying to the message, as this can confirm your number is active, leading to more scams.
2. Delete the Text: Remove the message from your phone to avoid accidental interaction.
3. Report the Scam: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your phone carrier. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 at www.ic3.gov, including the sender’s phone number and any website link.
4. Verify Your Account: Check your toll balance directly on www.EZDriveMA.com or by calling 877-627-7745. Don’t use contact details from the suspicious message.
5. Block the Number: Use your phone’s settings to block the sender’s number to prevent further messages.

If you’ve already clicked a link or shared information, act quickly:

• Contact Your Bank: Call your bank or credit card company to freeze your accounts, dispute any unfamiliar charges, and request a new card if needed.
• Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords for any affected accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Monitor Your Credit: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, and consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized use.
• Report to Authorities: Notify the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and inform your local police if you suspect identity theft.

Real-Life Examples

Here are two examples of how these scams have affected Massachusetts residents:

• Glen’s Close Call: Glen Deramond received a text claiming he owed $6.99 for an EZDriveMA toll. It seemed legitimate at first, but he noticed the sender’s number had a +63 country code and referenced “EZDrive LDW.” After checking online, he realized it was a scam and avoided clicking the link.
• Social Media Warning: A Reddit user shared their experience after receiving a scam text about a toll on the Tobin Bridge. They paid through a fake link because they actually owed a toll, only to learn later that EZDriveMA never texts about payments. They froze their debit card to limit the damage.

These stories highlight the importance of staying cautious, even if you think you might owe a toll.

How MassDOT and Authorities Are Responding

MassDOT has issued multiple warnings about toll scams, starting in June 2024 and continuing into 2025, with alerts on January 10, 13, 15, and 17. They emphasize that EZDriveMA never sends payment requests via text and that all official links include “www.EZDriveMA.com.” MassDOT also encourages drivers to contact them directly with questions and to report scams to the FBI.

The FBI is investigating these smishing scams, noting their spread across states. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are also involved, with the FCC giving phone carriers more power to block scam texts since 2018. Local police departments, like those in Swansea, Norwell, and Braintree, have posted warnings on social media to raise awareness.

Protecting Yourself in the Future

To stay safe from toll scams and other smishing attempts, adopt these habits:

• Use Security Tools: Install antivirus software, like Malwarebytes, to protect against phishing links and malware. Keep your phone and apps updated with the latest security patches.
• Enable Call and Text Blocking: Use your phone’s “report junk” feature or apps to filter out spam texts and calls.
• Be Skeptical: Treat all unsolicited messages with suspicion, especially those demanding quick action or personal information.
• Educate Others: Share this information with friends and family, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to scams.

By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

Conclusion

Massachusetts toll scams are a growing threat, but with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself. By recognizing the signs of smishing, avoiding suspicious links, and verifying claims through official channels, you can keep your personal and financial information safe. If you receive a questionable text, delete it, report it, and check your toll account directly with EZDriveMA. Stay vigilant, and don’t let scammers take advantage of your trust.

Sources

• Massachusetts Department of Transportation: www.mass.gov
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
• Federal Trade Commission: consumer.ftc.gov
• CBS Boston: www.cbsnews.com
• NBC Boston: www.nbcboston.com
• Newsweek: www.newsweek.com
• MalwareTips: malwaretips.com
• Reddit (user experiences): www.reddit.com
• OnlyInBOS on X: X posts