Introduction
The EzDriveMA scam is a phishing and smishing scheme that has been on the rise, targeting motorists in Massachusetts. Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages that look like they come from EZDriveMA – which is the tolling system for Massachusetts – stating that the driver has an unpaid toll. These messages contain a link that then tells the reader to “pay now” to avoid late fees. These messages are completely fake and solely intended to obtain or compromise a person’s personal or financial information.
What is the EzDriveMA scam?
In this scheme, cybercriminals are impersonating EZDriveMA to instill panic; victims will receive text messages that look legitimate and similar to legitimate toll service notifications. The messages will generally read something like “You have an unpaid toll balance. Pay now to avoid additional late fees”. If the victim clicks on the link, they are sent to a spoofed page, which looks similar to the official EZDriveMA page. The spoofed web page is intended to steal various sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, a legitimate driver’s license, or credentialing for, and the purpose of, a password, which can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.
How to Identify a Fake EZDriveMA Message?
Let’s start with the most important detail: EZDriveMA will never reach out to you asking for payments via text. The only official payment requests or notifications for tolls will come via www.EZDriveMA.com or by official mail.
Here are a few indicators that may indicate a scam.
- Suspicious URLs: If the URL does not have “www.EZDriveMA.com” in it, it is possibly a scam.
- Urgent/threatening messages: Messages that create urgency to avoid a fine or license suspension are another way to create a sense of urgency.
- Unknown phone number: Scammers may use different phone numbers or international phone numbers that do not match any EZDriveMA expedition official numbers.
- Spelling or grammatical errors: Many scam texts may have minor misspellings or other odd word selections.
What should you do if you receive a scam message?
- If you receive a suspicious text message that appears to be from EZDriveMA:
- Do not click on the link provided in the message, even if the message appears to be official.
- Delete the message immediately.
- Please report the message to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). You may also want to contact your local consumer protection agency.
- If you want to check that you do not have any unpaid tolls, please access your toll account correctly and in a secure way from the verified EZDriveMA website.
How to be sure that you do not fall victim to Smishing scams?
- To avoid smishing scams like EzDriveMA or any other smishing scams, do the following:
- You should always visit a verified site rather than clicking on a link in the message.
- Use virus software and regularly update your phone.
Never send personal or payment information via text or on an unsecured site.
Conclusion
The EzDriveMA scam was an important reminder that a message can look completely legit, while still containing risk. Scams and scammers are getting cleverer, but awareness will still be your best and greatest defense. Ignoring or reporting odd texts, verifying payment requests, and avoiding any source or service you cannot verify as a reliable source or website will help keep you safe and secure your personal, payment, and financial information.
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