Index
Recently, several users reported that a new type of EZPass scam is continuously evolving. One case is particularly noteworthy: a commuter received a text about an urgent renewal, asking them to click a link to update their payment method. In reality, the official service never collects fees directly via text link, and this use of psychological pressure is highly misleading. The scammers could even accurately state the user's recent commuting route, indicating that personal information may have been leaked.
New variants of phone scams are also emerging. Last week, a woman received an automated voice notification about a system upgrade, asking her to press a button to confirm account information. This type of automated voice scam is harder to trace than a personal call, so it is advised to hang up immediately and manually call the official customer service for verification. It is particularly important to note that scammers are now using number spoofing software to disguise themselves as real customer service numbers, so staying calm is crucial during these situations.
There has been a recent surge in phishing ads on social media. Scamming groups create highly imitative accounts, using limited-time promotions as bait to push malicious links. These ad pages may appear legitimate at first glance, but careful inspection reveals misspelled domain names. Remember, official promotional activities will always be released simultaneously on the EZPass certified platform.
Last Wednesday, I witnessed a colleague almost fall victim: an email stated that the account was locked and needed immediate verification, but the sender's address was [email protected]. Official notifications will always use @ezpass.com or the official state transportation department domain, and this detail is often overlooked. Another common red flag is that payment links redirect to third-party payment platforms, while the official system only interfaces with contracted banking channels.
Recently, scam text messages have included real toll booth names and timestamps, providing precise information that can easily deceive people. However, pay attention to the time when the message was sent—if it’s a late-night non-payment notification, it can usually be deemed a scam, as real systems do not send reminders outside of working hours.
It is suggested that everyone conduct a security check on a fixed date each month: first, check the validity of all associated payment methods and promptly remove expired cards; then, log into the account to review the device authorization list and immediately deregister unfamiliar devices; finally, update security question answers, avoiding easily guessable information.
A useful tip is to set up a dedicated payment account: open a small account specifically for EZPass, with a fixed amount automatically transferred each month. This way, even in the event of unauthorized use, losses can be kept within a limited range. It is also recommended to enable transaction limit features, requiring a mobile verification code for amounts exceeding the set limit.
Stop using simple combinations like Password123! Recent security experts recommend employing the memory password method: select the first letters of a sentence from a song + special symbols + toll booth number. For example, TakeMeHomeCountryRoads can be transformed into TmhCr!95 (for 95, the highway number). Such passwords are strong yet easy to remember.
It is advised to install a password manager to handle login credentials across different platforms. One user shared his experience: after generating a 20-character random password with the manager, all other accounts remained safe during a phishing attack. Remember to set up biometric + physical key two-factor authentication for the manager itself.
Last week, a user received a login alert at 3 AM and immediately froze their account, preventing potential losses. It is suggested to enable all notification channels: SMS, email, and APP push notifications should not be neglected. A clever trick is to set up fake security question answers—filling in Antarctica as a real birthplace, so when customer service inquires, they can immediately recognize a scam.
If you frequently travel across states, you can establish a commuting pattern profile. For instance, if you consistently pass through the George Washington Bridge every Tuesday, the system will automatically mark abnormal records, such as nighttime records at a Texas toll booth. Some high-end dash cameras now support linking with EZPass accounts, allowing real-time comparison of transit records.
Immediately implement a three-step isolation method: 1. Call the bank to freeze associated cards 2. Change account password on the official website 3. Enable temporary virtual card number. A user intercepted a phishing text at a gas station and completed these operations within 10 minutes, successfully preventing $500 in unauthorized charges.
Remember to ask customer service for an incident number and keep all communication records. A case last week showed that users who provided a complete timeline screenshot received refunds three days faster than those who just described verbally. It is advisable to record the operation process with a mobile phone, as these could become important evidence.
When reporting to the FTC, be sure to attach the following materials: 1. Screenshots of the scam information (including full email headers/text message sources) 2. Bank statement with noted abnormal transactions 3. Customer service communication records. Multiple cases have shown that complaints that fully submit these three items receive a response within an average of 5 business days.
If losses exceed $500, it is recommended to contact law firms specializing in cybercrime. Many law firms offer free initial consultations and only charge commissions after successfully recovering funds. Remember to take legal action within 60 days of the incident, as this is the dispute resolution period for most credit card companies.
Regularly visit the scam report section of state transportation departments, for example, New York updates the latest scam alerts on the 15th of each month. A practical method is to subscribe to RSS feeds, which can be more timely than email notifications. Recently, a new podcast segment was added, suitable for listening to the latest anti-fraud cases during commutes.
Attending offline safety lectures can also be beneficial. At a seminar held in New Jersey last month, security experts demonstrated how to safely open suspicious attachments in a sandbox environment. These practical techniques may not be found in the official knowledge base but are extremely useful.
Join the EZPass user forum on Reddit, where there is a real-time scam alert section. One user quickly posted after discovering a new phishing site, preventing over 300 people from accessing it within 12 hours. It is suggested to set up keyword alerts, so you receive timely notifications when discussions arise about scams, phishing, etc.
Lastly, remember this golden rule: For any financial transactions, always manually enter the URL via the official website. Any payment interface that redirects from links should be viewed as suspicious. Stay vigilant, but there is no need to be overly anxious—comprehensive security measures can reduce the success rate of scams by 87% (according to 2024 consumer report data).