E-Z Pass Text Scam Targets Wisconsin Residents: Protect Yourself From Fraud

ByBrian Bateman
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Wisconsin residents are currently facing a new and sophisticated “smishing” scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from E-Z Pass or state toll authorities. These unsolicited messages falsely inform recipients about unpaid toll charges, often threatening hefty late fees if immediate action isn’t taken. In reality, these texts are scams designed to steal your financial and personal information.

How to Identify the E-Z Pass Text Scam

Here’s what to watch for to recognize this scam:

  • Unsolicited Text Messages: Scammers send unexpected texts mentioning small unpaid toll amounts (typically between $10 and $15) and threatening significant late fees. Real toll authorities typically use mail or direct account billing for unpaid charges—not texts.
  • Impersonation of Legitimate Agencies: Fraudulent messages often impersonate recognized authorities like E-Z Pass, Illinois Tollway, or Florida Turnpike, attempting to appear credible. Genuine toll agencies never request payments through text messages.
  • Urgency and High Penalties: The scam messages usually contain urgent language designed to create panic. Threats of immediate penalties, DMV reports, or license suspension are red flags indicating a scam.
  • Fake Payment Links: Text messages include suspicious hyperlinks that lead victims to counterfeit payment websites, designed to steal credit card details and personal information. Legitimate agencies do not include payment links in unsolicited texts.
  • Geographic and Generic Inconsistencies: Often, victims in Wisconsin receive texts referencing toll roads they haven’t used or have never visited, such as tollways in distant states like Florida or Illinois.

Steps to Take if You Receive a Scam Text

If you receive a suspicious E-Z Pass or toll-related text message:

  • Do NOT Click the Link: Avoid interacting with the message entirely. Clicking links can expose you to malware or phishing scams.
  • Verify Independently: Check your toll account directly through official websites or customer service contacts, never via links provided in suspicious texts.
  • Report the Scam: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov), and notify the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting scams helps authorities track and shut down fraudulent activities.
  • Delete and Block: After reporting, delete the text and block the sender to minimize future contact attempts.
  • Warn Others: Inform your family and friends about the scam to help them stay vigilant and avoid becoming victims.

Official Alerts from Authorities

Multiple agencies have issued warnings to protect the public:

  • FBI Alert: The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received thousands of reports nationwide about toll text scams, prompting official public advisories.
  • Federal Trade Commission Advisory: The FTC highlighted that legitimate toll agencies never request payment via unsolicited texts.
  • Better Business Bureau Wisconsin: BBB issued statewide warnings after multiple reports from Wisconsin residents, emphasizing the importance of verifying toll-related claims through official sources.
  • State and Local Authorities: Agencies such as the Illinois Tollway and Pennsylvania Turnpike have also publicly alerted consumers about these scams, reinforcing that official communication regarding tolls does not come through text messages.

Key Takeaway

Always treat unsolicited toll payment text messages with skepticism. Genuine toll authorities like E-Z Pass and state agencies do not contact customers through random texts for payment. Protect your financial and personal information by verifying any suspicious claims independently and reporting scams promptly.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and help shut down scams by sharing this information widely within your community.

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