On Friday, August 22, the New York State Thruway Authority issued a warning telling E-ZPass holders not to respond or click on the link should they receive an email, purporting to be from them, claiming that recipients have unpaid tolls.
The notice is “not an authorized communication from E-ZPass, the New York State Thruway Authority or any other toll agency associated with E-ZPass,” says the Thruway Authority. “We advise you not to open or respond to such a message should you receive one.”
According to the Federal Trade Commission, phishing is defined as the impersonation of a business to trick consumers into giving out personal information through insecure channels. Phishing scams may appear to be from banks, legitimate businesses or government agencies.
The FTC recommends deleting “email and text messages that ask you to confirm or provide personal information.” The FTC’s website also says, “Don’t reply, and don’t click on links or call phone numbers provided in the message either. These messages direct you to spoof sites … so a scammer can run up bills or commit crimes in your name.”
Anyone with questions about correspondence with the Thruway Authority can call 800-333-8655.
Visit consumer.ftc.gov for more information about phishing scams.
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