Scam text messages, known as smishing scams, are becoming increasingly common across the United States, with New Jersey being one of the most affected areas. These fraudulent messages often claim that the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls, specifically targeting users of E-ZPass. A recent text message, sent out on March 19, 2025, illustrated this tactic vividly, urging individuals to make immediate payments to avoid severe penalties such as suspension of vehicle registration, additional fines, and detrimental impacts on credit scores.
The message read, “One last reminder: Pay tolls when due. Make sure you pay tolls by March 19, 2025, to avoid any penalties. Failure to complete the payment may result in: Suspend your vehicle registration. Additional fines. Negative impact on your credit score.” The text went further to include a link, enticing recipients to take “immediate action to prevent these problems. Thank you for your interest!”
This polite-sounding approach is part of the smishing scam's strategy, intended to instill a sense of urgency and concern in targets. Recipients are advised to delete such messages immediately, block the sender's number, and report it as spam through their cellphone carrier. The general rule of thumb is to never click on links embedded in unsolicited texts, as they often lead to malware installations that can compromise personal information.
Additionally, the article highlighted the term “vishing,” short for voice phishing, a method parallel to smishing. Vishing scams occur when criminals use phone calls or voice messages to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank details, and passwords.
The increase in cases of smishing not only raises concerns about financial loss but also serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity awareness. Many people, lured by the threat of penalties or the urgency conveyed in these messages, may unwittingly surrender their information or even send money to scammers.
Experts in cybersecurity emphasize the need for digital literacy and vigilance. Schools, organizations, and governments are being urged to reinforce education about such scams to equip the public with the knowledge necessary to discern between legitimate and fraudulent communications.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has been active in warning residents about these scams, reiterating that legitimate communications from E-ZPass will not solicit payment via text messages. Officials recommend that individuals with E-ZPass accounts always log in to their accounts directly through official channels to check balances or payment requirements, rather than responding to unverified messages.
One proactive step suggested involves regularly monitoring credit scores and financial statements for any unusual activity, as early detection can mitigate potential damages associated with identity theft that can occur from these scams.
In conclusion, as smishing scams become more sophisticated, the need for heightened awareness becomes increasingly critical. Recipients of suspicious text messages are urged to remain vigilant and to adhere to guidance from trusted sources—deleting unsolicited messages without engaging and securing sensitive information. The best defense against these cyber threats lies in being informed and cautious.
