In recent weeks, residents from New Milford, CT, and East Brunswick, NJ, have found themselves the targets of clever E-ZPass scams that have left many questioning their digital security practices. The increasing sophistication of these scams has prompted both local residents and law enforcement agencies to spread awareness about the fraudulent activities.
The New Milford scam first gained attention when Jackie D.D. shared a post on Facebook warning about a text she received that appeared to come from E-ZPass. The message claimed, “Your toll payment for E-ZPass Lane must be settled by March 14, 2025. To avoid fines and the suspension of your driving privileges, kindly pay by the due date. Pay here: BOGUS ADDRESS.” The email address from which the message was sent, [email protected], raised immediate red flags for Jackie, who pointed out the absurdity of the situation.
In her post, Jackie humorously commented on how the scammers fumbled at the 1-yard line, stating, “It's amazing how much effort they put into the scam, only to fumble the ball at the 1-yard line.” Many local residents chimed in, sharing their own experiences with similar messages. Tony M. commented, “I got a text regarding unpaid toll, I called and was told to delete it! Do not respond!!! Lots of scams going on! Have to be careful.”
Concerns also arose with Megan C.G., who received the text and was unsure if it was authentic, especially after traveling to New York without her E-ZPass just days before. She commented, “I was wondering if this was authentic or not!!!!” Another resident, Valentina S.K., noted that she receives such text messages almost daily and often blocks the numbers sending them. The prevalence of these scams has left many in the community feeling anxious about the safety of their personal information.
In East Brunswick, similar concerns were echoed by the East Brunswick Police Department, which has warned residents about a new scam targeting E-ZPass users. Residents have received messages impersonating “NJ E-ZPass Toll Services,” urging them to click a link to pay an outstanding toll balance to avoid late fees. The police made it clear that these messages are fraudulent and advised individuals to delete them immediately. In fact, they described the situation as a pressing concern, with the FBI receiving more than 2,000 complaints this month alone related to scam road toll collection texts.
“The texts impersonating state road toll collection agencies attempt to get phone users to reveal financial information, such as credit or debit cards or bank accounts,” a representative from the East Brunswick Police stated. With their warning, they provided residents essential tips on identifying and managing these scams. These included filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), checking their account using the toll service's legitimate website, and contacting the toll service's customer service phone number.
The police also encouraged residents to delete any suspicious text messages received. If anyone accidentally clicked on a link or provided personal information, they were advised to secure their accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges. In a society increasingly reliant on digital transactions, the rise of such scams poses significant risks to personal financial security.
In light of the scammers’ persistent efforts, residents from both New Milford and East Brunswick have begun taking serious precautions against falling prey to these fraud attempts. Many are now more vigilant about verifying the legitimacy of messages they receive and are proactively checking their accounts through established channels rather than through links provided in dubious texts.
Jackie D.D.'s post has served as a vital reminder in New Milford of the importance of community vigilance in combating scams. “I love the idea of 'Cissy' waiting for payment,” she added humorously, which resonates with many who appreciate laughter in the face of such troubling schemes.
Despite the rising concern surrounding these scams, residents believe that shared experiences and advice can fortify their defenses against future attempts. As they navigate through the complexities of digital interactions, understanding how to identify and respond to scams is critical.
In summary, with warnings from local police departments and shared experiences among community members, New Milford and East Brunswick residents are more equipped than ever to combat these E-ZPass scams. It underlines a critical lesson for all: when it comes to personal security, it's better to be safe than sorry.
