Ohio Turnpike Alerts Customers of SMS/Text ‘Smishing’ Scam Targeting Multiple Tolling Agencies
BEREA, Ohio (April 22, 2024) – The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has learned that a text message scam, known as “smishing,” is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are requesting payment for unpaid tolls.
The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads. Some customers have also reported receiving emails through phishing scams.
The Ohio Turnpike does NOT request its E-ZPass customers to make payments by text. Collections of unpaid tolls and/or toll violations do NOT occur by text either.
The only website links associated with Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass are www.ezpassoh.com and www.ohioturnpike.org.
The FBI, which is aware of the smishing scam impacting several states, recommends individuals who receive the fraudulent messages do the following:
- File a complaint at www.ic3.gov, and be sure to include:
- The phone number from where the text originated.
- Contact the tolling agency's customer service center.
- Delete any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
We encourage all customers to stay alert to these types of texting scams as well as email phishing scams.
Contact us at www.ezpassoh.com and www.ohioturnpike.org with any questions about Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass notifications.