Toll Text Trap Expands as Port Authority Alerts New York and New Jersey Drivers
Officials caution drivers crossing bridges and tunnels between New York and New Jersey of a rising bogus toll payment text message scam. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages major crossings, is warning motorists about the newest round of phony messages.
Officials said drivers have received “New York Toll Services” SMS messages. They must click a link to pay an unpaid toll bill, according to the notifications. The urgent notice encourages drivers to act swiftly. Authorities warn drivers that these texts are fake and should never click on the link.
Not only one state is affected. The hoax has spread to 19 states. This technique has established hundreds of bogus websites, according to the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association. Officials found 437 new bogus toll scam websites targeting New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Drivers may not notice the difference between these websites and genuine toll agency platforms.
This current strategy continues a 2024 rise. Scammers have impersonated state government websites, motor vehicle agencies, and E-ZPass services to steal drivers’ personal and financial information. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority warned drivers about bogus toll debt text texts in April 2024. The texts sent drivers to fake toll payment websites.
Officials say reputable toll agencies do not text for instant payment. Only Port Authority drivers who have signed up for text alerts will receive legitimate texts. Even then, alerts do not require urgent payment via questionable connections. Any unexpected text requesting toll payment is suspect, say authorities.
This fraud aims to steal personal information. Drivers may be prompted for personal, financial, or credit card information when they click the link. The information given can be used for identity theft or illicit financial transactions. Officials advise drivers to discard such texts without clicking on links.
Drivers who doubt their toll balance should verify it through approved sources. Log onto their E-ZPass account on the official website or call the toll agency’s customer support line to validate overdue charges. Authorities warn drivers not to trust unsolicited text message links.
Officials advise securing financial accounts immediately if someone clicked on a dubious link or input personal information. Contacting banks or credit card firms, monitoring account activity, and disputing unexpected transactions are examples. Acting soon can reduce financial harm.
Text-based scams have targeted New Jersey drivers before. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission warned people about fake traffic ticket payment requests last year. That fraud was easier to spot since it mentioned the “Division of Motor Vehicles,” a New Jersey entity that no longer existed. Other schemes have impersonated out-of-state E-ZPass agencies to appear legitimate.
The Port Authority and International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association are cooperating to raise awareness. Official social media platforms have alerted drivers to avoid these schemes. Officials remind motorists that government entities do not threaten imminent penalties via random text messages.
The FTC can be notified of fake toll messages by drivers. Complaining helps authorities detect patterns and shut down scams faster.
Transportation officials advise drivers to be cautious and educated. Awareness is the best defense against scammers’ increasingly sophisticated bogus websites and messages. Only using established toll agency channels and avoiding questionable links can protect drivers’ personal information and finances from these growing text message scams.
Sources
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
New Jersey Turnpike Authority
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Federal Trade Commission
