You’re sitting on your couch, maybe scrolling through your phone after a long day of work, when a text pings. It looks official. It says you have an outstanding toll balance of $6.99 and if you don’t pay it by midnight, you’re looking at huge late fees. Or maybe they threaten to suspend your license. For a lot of people, that’s enough to trigger a panic-click.
But here’s the thing: that text is almost certainly a lie. The ez drive scam (often called "smishing") has exploded into a massive problem for drivers across the country, especially throughout 2025 and into early 2026.
I’ve seen dozens of people get hit with this. It doesn't matter if you're in Massachusetts, Virginia, or even a state that doesn't use E-ZPass; these scammers are casting a wide net. They aren't checking your driving records. They're just hoping you’ve been on a highway recently and have a few bucks to lose—and a credit card number they can steal.
How the EZ Drive Scam Actually Works
Scammers are basically playing a numbers game. They use automated systems to blast out thousands of messages to random area codes. They don't know who you are. Honestly, they don't even know if you own a car.
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They use "smishing"—which is just a fancy way of saying phishing via SMS. The text usually contains a link that looks vaguely legitimate, maybe something like ezpass-toll-services.com or ezdribe-bill.com. Once you click, you're sent to a website that looks identical to the real EZDriveMA or E-ZPass portals.
The Hook
The genius (and the cruelty) of this scam is the low dollar amount. They don't ask for $500. They ask for $4.15 or $8.50. It’s an amount so small that most people think, "I'll just pay this real quick to get it over with."
Once you enter your credit card info to "settle the debt," the scammers have everything they need. They aren't just taking your eight bucks. They’re taking your card number, your CVV, and often your home address or driver’s license number.
Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
Most of these messages are full of holes if you look closely.
First, look at the phone number. Real tolling authorities like MassDOT or the E-ZPass Group aren't going to text you from a random 10-digit number or an international country code like +63 (the Philippines).
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Second, check the urgency. Scammers love a deadline. "Pay within 12 hours or face legal action" is a classic tactic to make you stop thinking and start clicking. Real government agencies usually move at the speed of a snail. They send letters in the mail. They give you weeks, not hours, to respond.
- The URL is "off": If it doesn't end in
.govor the exact official site (likeEZDriveMA.com), it’s a fake. - Generic Greetings: They won't use your name. It’s usually just "Dear Customer" or "User."
- Terrible Grammar: "Payment now to avoid fees" or "Your vehicle has unpaid toll bill." These little slips are a dead giveaway.
Why This Scam Is So Successful Right Now
In the first few months of 2025 alone, toll-related smishing reports jumped by over 600%. That is a staggering number. According to Jonathan Gulliver, the Highway Administrator for MassDOT, even he received one of these scam texts. When the head of the highway department is getting targeted, you know nobody is safe.
The scammers are getting better at localized targeting. If you live near a major toll road, they'll use the specific name of that agency. In Massachusetts, it's EZDriveMA. In Maryland or New York, it's E-ZPass. They know where you are based on your area code, and they’re betting that you’ve used a toll road recently.
What to Do if You Got the Text
If you’re staring at one of these messages right now, do not click the link. If you already clicked it but didn't enter info, you might be okay, but close the tab immediately. If you entered your credit card information, you need to act fast.
- Call your bank: Don’t wait for a weird charge to show up. Tell them you’ve been caught in a phishing scam and get a new card issued.
- Report it: Forward the scam message to 7726 (SPAM). This helps carriers block these numbers.
- Check your real account: If you’re actually worried you owe money, go to the official website by typing the address directly into your browser. Don't use any link from a text.
- File an FBI report: You can go to
ic3.govand report the details. It helps them track the bigger networks behind these attacks.
Actionable Steps to Protect Yourself
It’s easy to feel paranoid, but a few simple habits can keep your data safe.
Never trust a text message about money you didn't expect to owe. Legitimate tolling agencies will almost always send a physical invoice to the address where your vehicle is registered. That’s their standard procedure.
Set up a password manager. It won't stop you from entering your card on a fake site, but it won't "autofill" your credentials on a scam URL because it recognizes the site isn't the real deal. This is a subtle but effective safety net.
Finally, just breathe. Scammers want you in a state of high alert. If you get a text saying you’re in trouble with the "Toll Authority," just remember that they aren't going to send the police to your house over $7.00. Delete the message, block the number, and move on with your day.
If you suspect your identity has been stolen beyond just a credit card, head over to IdentityTheft.gov. It’s the best resource for putting together a recovery plan and notifying the right people.
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Stay vigilant. These guys aren't stopping anytime soon, but once you know the pattern, they're easy to beat.