How to Avoid EZ Pass and Tolls by Mail Payment Scams

This is an educational and informational guide — it is NOT legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Data may be outdated — always verify on the official website and with a licensed professional.

Introduction / Who This Is For

Scams related to road payments, such as fake notifications about unpaid EZ Pass or Tolls by Mail fees, are becoming increasingly common. This guide is aimed at the Polish community in the USA, particularly those who frequently use toll roads in states like New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, or California. You will learn how to recognize these scams and how to protect your personal and financial information.

How Do Road Payment Scams Work?

These scams typically involve sending fake SMS or email messages that inform recipients about alleged unpaid fees for using the roads. These messages often contain links to fake websites that look like the official EZ Pass or Tolls by Mail sites. After clicking the link, the user is prompted to provide credit card information or other personal details.

How to Recognize Fake Notifications?

• Check the sender: Always ensure that the message comes from an official source. Official notifications usually have email addresses ending in .gov or .org.
• Do not click on links: If you receive a message with a link, it is better to visit the official EZ Pass or Tolls by Mail website directly through your browser.
• Check the content of the message: Fake messages often contain grammatical or stylistic errors that may indicate their inauthenticity.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Scam?

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, take the following steps:

1. Immediately contact your bank or financial institution to block your card and report the fraud.
2. Report the incident to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Monitor your bank and credit accounts for unauthorized transactions.

Common Mistakes

• Opening links in SMS or emails from unknown senders.
• Providing personal information on unknown websites.
• Failing to verify the source of the message before taking action.
• Ignoring suspicious notifications about unpaid fees.

What’s Next

1. Ensure you have antivirus software installed and update it regularly.
2. Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
3. Educate yourself about the latest scams and how to recognize them.

Sources

More information about road payment scams can be found on official sites such as SSA — Social Security Administration and Federal Trade Commission.