If you’ve received a text about an unpaid toll from E-ZPass, you’re not alone. In 2024, a fresh wave of EZ Pass scams started flooding inboxes across the U.S. People from New Jersey to Oklahoma have reported suspicious messages warning of overdue charges, final notices, and links that look official—but are anything but.
These scams are slick. They use urgency. They impersonate legitimate tolling systems. And worst of all—they work.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how these scams operate, what’s real and what’s not, how to protect yourself, and why VPN-backed browsing should be your default—especially if you’re a business.
What’s Happening: A New Round of Toll-Related Phishing Texts
Starting early this year, drivers began reporting Ez pass scam text messages that claimed they owed small toll fees. At first glance, the texts seemed real. They often looked something like this:
“[E-ZPass]: Final Reminder—Your unpaid toll of $3.98 must be paid immediately. Visit [scam-link].”
Others were more aggressive, referencing fines or saying accounts would be suspended.
These EZ Pass scam text message attempts follow a predictable format:
- They mention a very specific toll amount (usually under $10)
- Use branding that looks like EZ Pass Florida, EZ PASS Illinois, or E-Z Pass Oklahoma
- Ask you to click a payment link immediately
The scammers bet on this: You might have passed through a toll booth recently. You might not remember. That’s all they need.
What These Scams Aim to Steal?
This isn’t about a few dollars. These fake links lead to sites that mimic the official EZ Pass login page, where victims unknowingly submit:
- Full names and addresses
- Credit card information
- Email and phone numbers
- Sometimes even license plate numbers
Some phishing sites go even further—trying to install spyware on your phone or collect your location.
It’s an EZ pass toll scam, but the damage goes well beyond tolls.
How to Spot a Fake EZ Pass Message?
If you’re unsure whether a message is real, slow down and check for the following:
1. Unknown short URLs
Official agencies don’t use bit.ly or unbranded links.
2. No account number or personal info
Legit texts usually reference your account number or tag.
3. “E Zpass Final Reminder” urgency
Scammers often throw in warnings like “final notice” or “account suspended” to make you panic.
4. Generic sender names
If it just says “Toll” or “EZpass” with no verified number, it’s likely fake.
5. It comes at odd times
Midnight texts? Early Sunday morning? Scammers often hit during off-hours.
And if you’re asking, “Does EZ Pass text you?”, the answer is—no, not for payments.
Real Toll Agencies Don’t Work Like This
Let’s clear this up:
- EZ Pass VA, EZDriveMA, and other state-run toll services do not send payment links over text
- They do not ask for immediate credit card information via SMS
- Legitimate toll notices come through mail or your verified online account
If you’ve registered with EZ Pass Florida, for instance, and get an unexpected message, don’t click. Go to the official site or call their hotline. Same with EZ PASS Illinois or E-Z Pass Oklahoma.
Never trust a toll message that comes out of nowhere.
What Happens If You Fall For It?
Let’s say someone clicks the EZ Pass text message scam and enters their card details. What happens next?
First, that info is harvested and either:
- Used directly for purchases
- Sold on the dark web
- Combined with other stolen info to steal full identities
And here’s the scary part: Some victims reported seeing legit-looking confirmation pages after submitting info. That fake “receipt” makes them believe the toll is paid—until fraud charges show up days later.
Others reported new phishing emails and texts increasing after they clicked.
Once you’re in their system, you stay on the radar.
These Scams Are Smarter Now
What makes this wave different? Three things:
1. They copy regional language
A person in New Jersey might get a message mimicking E-ZPass NJ. Someone in the Midwest sees EZ PASS Illinois.
2. They add small charges
Scammers know that $3.98 won’t raise as many eyebrows as $398. It’s a small enough fee for people to click without much thought.
3. They appear inside legitimate-looking threads
Some victims report receiving texts as part of ongoing message chains with real toll notifications. That suggests message spoofing is involved.
It’s not just sloppy scam attempts anymore. They’re refining tactics.
Who’s Getting Targeted?
Short answer: everyone. But we’re seeing patterns.
- Frequent travelers
- Fleet vehicle owners
- Business users who rely on apps for tolling
- Anyone who recently signed up for toll services or changed cars
Scammers aren’t guessing. They’re scraping leaked databases and using E ZPass payment info from past breaches.
Why This Matters for Businesses Too?
This isn’t just about individuals. Teams and companies are at risk, especially if staff use their phones to manage toll accounts or payments.
You’ve got remote workers, drivers, assistants—any of them could click one bad link, and suddenly your data is compromised.
That’s why VPN-backed browsing helps.
How VPNs Reduce the Risk of Phishing Success?
- Mask your IP and location—scammers can’t fingerprint your device easily
- Prevent redirects from hitting tracking scripts
- Block suspicious domains using DNS filtering
- Hide browser metadata that scammers rely on
- Secure mobile networks, especially if employees use public Wi-Fi
Whether you’re a startup or run a logistics fleet, a VPN should be part of your base security stack. It’s a simple way to reduce attack surfaces.
Protect Your Users from EZ Pass Toll Scams
Scams like the EZ Pass text message scam aren’t just annoying—they’re a real risk to your team or customers. One wrong click can expose data or open the door to malware.
With PureWL, you can launch your own branded VPN and give users a safer way to browse—no dev team, no server setup.
✔️ Secure, encrypted connections
✔️ DNS leak protection
✔️ Easy-to-use branded apps
✔️ Full admin dashboard
Whether you’re building a product or protecting your client base, PureWL gives you the tools to fight phishing at the network level.