Scammers are targeting Pennsylvanians with fake messages posing as PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission, and E-ZPass. Here’s how to protect yourself.
What’s old is new again. A fresh wave of scams are circulating across Pennsylvania, targeting residents with smishing and phishing attacks impersonating trusted state transportation agencies.
Scammers are impersonating these agencies and pressuring people to pay supposed overdue tolls or fines. While these types of scams tend to resurface every so often, the recent increase in both frequency and sophistication has prompted action from state officials.
The Senate Transportation Committee Chairs Judy Ward and Marty Flynn, along with House Transportation Committee Chairs Ed Neilson and Kerry Benninghoff, have issued an official warning to Pennsylvania residents.
“These messages look official, but they’re nothing more than scams designed to steal your personal and financial information,” said Senator Flynn. “PennDOT does not collect tolls, and legitimate agencies will never ask for payment through unsolicited texts or emails.”
As with most scams, it is the same old song and dance, just given a fresh coat of paint. Messages from unknown senders that contain links and create a sense of urgency are a major red flag. If the message mentions late toll payments, license suspension, or time-sensitive fines, it is likely a scam and should be reported and deleted immediately.
To help protect yourself, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be cautious of unsolicited texts or emails that contain links, especially if they reference tolls, fines, or account issues
- Never send payment or financial information unless you have confirmed the request is legitimate
- Double-check agency names and details. For example, there is no such thing as the Pennsylvania Toll Agency, and PennDOT does not collect toll payments
- Log in directly through official websites or apps rather than clicking on links in a message
- If something feels off, trust your instincts and investigate before responding
- If you believe you clicked on a malicious link, secure your accounts immediately, monitor for unusual activity, and contact your financial institution to dispute any suspicious charges
- Watch out for senders that appear to be law firms or regulatory agencies. Scammers often use names that sound official to pressure you into acting quickly
If you receive a communication and want to validate the legitimacy, you can contact the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Customer Service Center at (877) 736-6727, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.
You are also encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
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