What are Smishing Scams?

With cyber threats evolving, scammers are now targeting people via text messages in a scam known as “smishing scams.” Smishing, a blend of “SMS” and “phishing,” involves fraudsters sending text messages pretending to be legitimate organizations to steal personal or financial information.

Like many scams, smishing is designed to trick recipients into divulging personal information or clicking malicious links. The term began surfacing in cybersecurity discussions in the mid-to-late 2000s as mobile devices became increasingly popular targets for scams. One of the earliest known references dates back to around 2006, when security researchers and industry experts noticed a rise in SMS-based phishing attacks. By the early 2010s, “smishing” had become widely recognized in cybersecurity warnings, as attackers exploited the growing reliance on text messaging for communication, banking alerts, and authentication codes.

A recent example targets EZPass users, falsely claiming they owe unpaid tolls.

How the Smishing Scams Work

Scammers send fraudulent text messages claiming to be from tolling agencies, such as EZDriveMA, requesting immediate payment for supposed outstanding tolls. These messages often contain a link that directs victims to a fake website designed to steal their credit card details and other sensitive information.

What EZDriveMA Wants You to Know

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has issued a warning about this scam and is urging customers to be vigilant. Here are key points to keep in mind:

• EZDriveMA will never send invoices by text.
• EZDriveMA will never request payment via text.
• Legitimate EZDriveMA websites will always include www.EZDriveMA.com.
• Scammers are sending these messages randomly. Receiving a text does not mean your EZPass account has been compromised.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message

If you get an unsolicited text claiming to be from EZPass or any tolling agency:

1. Do not click any links in the message.
2. Delete the text immediately.
3. Verify your account directly by visiting the official website at www.EZDriveMA.com or calling customer service.
4. Report the scam by filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. Include details such as the phone number the text came from and the website it directed you to.
5. If you mistakenly clicked a link or provided personal information, take immediate steps to secure your financial accounts, monitor for fraudulent transactions, and report any unauthorized charges.

Stay Vigilant Against Smishing

This scam is just one of many smishing attempts targeting consumers. Cybercriminals continuously refine their tactics, making it crucial to stay informed and cautious when receiving unsolicited messages. Always verify requests for payment directly with the organization in question and never share personal information via text.

For more details or to confirm legitimate EZPass notifications, visit www.EZDriveMA.com or contact their customer service team.

By staying alert, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Share this information with friends and family to help spread awareness and prevent further scams.

See more about scams at:
https://charlesworks.com/category/phishing-scams-spoofs/