State Officials Alerting Mass. Drivers About A 'Smishing' Scam

SHARON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is warning EZDriveMA customers about a text message scam impersonating the state toll agency.

“It says ‘EZDRiveMA. Your vehicle has 6.99 in outstanding tolls. Please visit this link to make your payment,’” Dan told WBZ NewsRadio.

According to MassDot, this scam is also known as smishing, using SMS messaging and fishing scam tactics, and is part of a series of scams that the FBI is aware of. 

Kathy also got the message but didn’t fall for it. “I have so much training from my job looking at suspicious emails and fishing and all kinds of things,” she said.

Sarah said the message looked suspicious right off the bat. “I guess my advice to people when you get stuff like this [is] take a deep breath and look at it carefully before you click on it, and then go directly to the website where you have your account,” she continued.

MassDOT added that EZDriveMA will never request payment by text and all links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com. The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, be sure to include: the phone number from where the text originated. And the website listed within the text. 
2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

“You just [got to] believe everything is fake,” Dan said. “It’s sad it has to be that way but that’s just the world we live in today.”

WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.

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