How to avoid scams and frauds online

Avoid scams and frauds online with these cybersecurity tips.

If you recently received a text from EZDriveMA asking for a payment, you're not the only one.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) is reporting that a new text scam has been going around where people in the commonwealth are being sent texts from a group claiming to be EZDriveMA.

And apparently, Massachusetts is not the only state where this scam is happening.

Here's what to know.

Recently, people around the state have been getting warnings via text from a group claiming to be from EZDriveMA claiming that they owe money for unpaid tickets.

The texts, which request immediate payment, come with a link on which people are supposed to click to pay their bill.

The texts from the group claiming to be from EZDriveMA state, "Your recent journey on the EZ-Pass toll roads has resulted in a charge of $4.15. Settle your balance promptly to avoid any additional late fees." Then the message asks the recipient to click on a link to pay the bill.

MassDOT confirmed the message was a scam, according to WCVB Channel 5, and warned recipients not to click that link or provide any information. The agency said it will never request payment via text message.

Consumer Affairs reported recently that "scammers have exploited this (EZ Pass) system and are raking in a lot of cash from unsuspecting victims."

There have been reports of the scam all over New England, along with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Florida, among other states.

"Because it’s a national problem, the FBI has stepped in," Consumer Affairs reported. "In early April it reported that its investigation had revealed that since early March, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) had received over 2,000 complaints reporting smishing texts representing road toll collection service from at least three states. IC3 complaint information indicates the scam may be moving from state to state."

Smishing is the texting version of phishing scam. It's when a scammer sends a text message purportedly from a reputable source looking to get individuals to reveal personally information, such as credit card numbers.

The FBI suggests the following steps:

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

News Source : https://www.telegram.com/story/news/regional/2024/06/10/have-you-been-scammed-by-ezdrivema-heres-what-to-know-about-it/74042201007/