Officials Issue Warning About New EZ Pass Phishing Scam

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Officials are issuing a new warning for EZ Pass customers over a phishing scam by way of email.

It first surfaced in Virginia and is spreading fast through the EZ Pass states, and with the summer travel season wrapping up, it's a ripe time for scammers.

"Scammers are hoping to target families and those who may have recently gone on a last-minute road trip or vacation to make it seem more believable," says Caitlin Driscoll, of the Better Business Bureau.

Both the BBB and AAA say beware if you get an email that appears to be from EZ Pass.

"They will be cryptic emails saying they owe money on their accounts," says AAA spokesperson Chelsea Pompeani. You don't want to respond to it or click on it, and once you click on it, you'll get a virus into your computer."

"Many of them look very legitimate using EZ Pass's actual colors, stealing the logo," Driscoll says. "[They are] out to steal your personal and financial information off of your computer."

Pennsylvania Turnpike Spokesman Bill Capone told KDKA's John Shumway the scam is flawed from the beginning because "we do not communicate with our EZ Pass customers by email."

Plus, he added, "EZ Pass doesn't ever ask customers to pay unpaid tolls because all tolls through EZ Pass are paid in advance."

He says billing for any unpaid toll would come "from the Pa. Turnpike Commission by mail."

"If you really think that EZ Pass is trying to contact you, the best solution is to contact them," says Pompeani.

But, Driscoll says, "Never contact using any phone numbers or websites that are included in that questionable email."

So, to recap, if you do get one of the emails, don't click on it, don't open the link, and do not give away any of your personal information.

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