Smishing Scam Vdot Ez Pass: What You Need to Know

Smishing scams are becoming increasingly common, and the VDOT EZ Pass system is a popular target. Scammers are sending fake text messages to unsuspecting victims, pretending to be from VDOT or EZ Pass, and trying to trick them into revealing sensitive information.

These scammers often claim that the victim's account is suspended or that they need to update their payment information, and they'll try to persuade you to click on a link or provide your login credentials. Be cautious of any message that asks you to take immediate action or provides a sense of urgency.

VDOT EZ Pass users should be aware that the official VDOT website and EZ Pass customer service will never ask you to provide sensitive information via text message or email. If you receive a suspicious message, don't respond or click on any links.

If you get a scam text, don't click on the link it sends you. VDOT warns that scam text messages involving bogus E-ZPass toll charges are on the rise.

The scam messages will often request payment for a toll charge and direct you to a fake website. VDOT does communicate with drivers via text messages, but those messages will not direct you to another link.

To verify if the message is legitimate, contact the toll customer service center. If you receive a message that appears to be from E-ZPass Virginia or a specific toll facility, you can reach out to them to check if the message is real.

You can file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center online if you receive a scam text. Save the text and include the phone number of the text message as well as the link.

VDOT officials use text messages to share information about your account, but they don't have an embedded link. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a text message, it's always best to err on the side of caution.

To check your balance or add funds to your account in Virginia, use the Toll Roads in Virginia website or the E-ZPass site. You can also call 877-762-7824 for a message regarding whether an outstanding toll is due.

A fresh viewpoint: Report Scam Website to Google

VDOT warns of text message scams involving bogus toll charges. These scams are known as "smishing" scams, a combination of "phishing" and SMS.

If you receive a suspicious text message, don't click on the link. VDOT does communicate with drivers via text messages, but those messages will not direct you to another link.

You can contact the toll customer service center to check if the message is legitimate. The FBI issued a warning about the scam after receiving reports in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

It's unclear how widespread the scam is in Virginia, but WTOP has reached out to VDOT for information on how many reports it has received. Anyone who receives a scam text can file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center online.

To stay safe, never click a link inside of a text message about a toll balance. VDOT officials do use text messages to share information with you about your account, but they don't have an embedded link.

Additional reading: Fbi Warning Smishing Texts

If you need to check your balance or add funds to your account, use the Toll Roads in Virginia website or the E-ZPass site. You can also call 877-762-7824 for a message regarding whether an outstanding toll is due.

VDOT hasn't received a report about the scheme in Virginia, but neighboring North Carolina has, along with Pennsylvania and Illinois. After more than 2,000 complaints in at least three states, the FBI issued a warning about the attacks.

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