ATTENTION: Hunterdon County Sheriff Warns E-ZPass Residents Targeted by New Phishing Scheme
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — On Feb. 20, Hunterdon County Sheriff Frederick W. Brown issued a warning to residents about a new phishing scheme targeting E-ZPass customers, requesting personal information and payment for unpaid toll charges via text messaging, email and phone calls.
The recent scams are variants of similar toll collection systems scams reported in several states last year.
At the Feb. 18 Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Brown mentioned that the current scam starts with an unsolicited correspondence sent to drivers with E-ZPass transponders and accounts.
“It is crucial that our residents remain vigilant and protect themselves against these fraudulent schemes,” Sheriff Brown said. “Remember that legitimate government agencies, including E-ZPass, will never ask for personal information or payment via email or phone. All official communications will be conducted through letters.”
The message appears to come from the E-ZPass Service Center or “NJ Turnpike toll services,” alleging that the account is expired and asks recipients to click on a link to make a payment or demanding small payments, in amounts like $3.95 to $12.55, to avoid substantial late fees.
Residents who’ve received these text messages or any type of electronic communication should delete them without clicking on the link and report the sender as junk/spam through your phone carrier service. For those who clicked the link and filled out the form should immediately contact their bank or credit card provider.
The fraudulent agency, “NJ Turnpike toll services” is not associated with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) or any other toll agency in the New Jersey E-ZPass Group, the state reported.
Commissioner Director John E. Lanza emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about these scams:
“We urge residents to be cautious and verify the authenticity of communication they receive. Do not provide personal information to make payments in response to unsolicited texts, emails or phone calls. When in doubt, contact the official E-ZPass customer service department directly using the contact information provided on their website.”
Fraudulent emails and calls often use urgent language and threaten penalties to create a sense of panic, pressuring recipients to comply with their demands. Residents are advised to remain cautious for red flags, such as generic greetings, spelling errors and suspicious links.
Sheriff Brown added, “If you receive a suspicious text message, email or phone call, report it to the authorities immediately. Your vigilance can help prevent these scammers from victimizing more people in our community.”
In April 2024, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) reported that New Jersey drivers were being targeted in a toll-paying scam that had been reported in Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.
In that scheme, NJCCIC said residents would receive a text message designed to trick drivers into entering their banking or credit card information into a bogus website. At the time, those false text messages were sent to phone numbers in New Jersey area codes regardless of whether the recipients are E-ZPass account holders.
NJTA advises motorists who believe they have received one of the bogus text messages to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For more information on how to protect from consumer fraud, contact the Hunterdon County Sheriff's Office at (908) 788-1166, or call the New Jersey E-ZPass customer service center directly at (888) 288-6865.
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