Massachusetts Warns of Rising ‘Smishing’ Scams Targeting Toll Users

QUINCY, Mass. – A new wave of fraudulent text messages targeting toll road users has swept across Massachusetts, prompting warnings from state officials and law enforcement. The scam, known as “smishing,” involves fake messages claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls and must pay immediately to avoid penalties.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) confirmed that the scam has been active since early January. The messages, which appear to come from “EZDriveMA,” direct recipients to click on a link to resolve the issue. However, the link leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal and financial information.

“The scammers are claiming to represent tolling agencies and requesting payment for unpaid tolls,” MassDOT stated in a recent alert. The agency emphasized that the phone numbers targeted are chosen at random and are not linked to actual toll road usage.

Scott Bowdridge, a Walpole resident, was among the first to report the scam. “I got a text saying I had an unpaid toll with a huge penalty if I didn’t pay today,” Bowdridge said. “I ignored it because it should have been from E-ZPass, not EZDrive.”

Smishing, a combination of “SMS” and “phishing,” is a growing cybercrime tactic. Victims are often more likely to click on links in text messages than in emails, making smishing particularly effective. The FBI has identified similar scams targeting toll users in at least three states, with over 2,000 complaints filed since March 2024.

MassDOT advises recipients of suspicious texts to delete the messages immediately and avoid clicking on any links. If a link has been clicked, individuals should monitor their financial accounts for unauthorized activity and report any suspicious charges.

Muriel Savoy Moloney, a 94-year-old Weymouth resident, shared her experience with similar scams. “I get texts claiming to be from UPS about undeliverable packages,” she said. “I just delete them. If it’s legitimate, they’ll send a letter.”

Authorities recommend filing complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and contacting toll service customer support at 877-627-7745 for further assistance. MassDOT also urges the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.