Beware of text messages claiming you owe unpaid tolls

Beware of text messages claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls, the Maryland Transportation Authority warns. The MDTA is warning the public about ongoing SMS phishing attacks that the agency says are aimed at tricking people into paying off fake toll debts. The latest attacks reproduce the look and logo of correspondence from DriveEzMD, which manages Maryland’s E-ZPass electronic toll collection. The MDTA warns against sharing personal information or making payments through the links provided in the text messages. “We had about 900 calls yesterday, over several hundred today,” said Carah Hall, MDTA senior account specialist. “As far as SMS messages go, I received one too. We would never text anyone about an unpaid toll. We conduct all of our business through the United States Postal Service. You will get something about them. We would never text you to tell you.” “The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland reiterated the message and spokesman Clay Campbell said there are several ways for phishers to obtain phone numbers.” This information can be obtained fairly easily can be found online searching the Internet for information “There are also these massive data breaches, like Equifax. Such large amounts of data are simply collected and hoarded across a number of different websites,” Campbell said. Campbell said you should cancel your credit cards if you fall If you have any doubts, just give us a call. Contact one of the customer service centers. Contact our customer service hotline or come to a center. We will be more than helpful to you…” said Campbell.Legitimate Ways to Pay Your TollsThe MDTA said DriveEzMD will never request payment via text message.The agency reminds the public that the only authorized methods to pay the Tolls in Maryland or to maintain E-ZPass are Accounts include:Visit the official secure website: https://www.driveezmd.com/Using the DriveEzMD AppVisit a DriveEzMD Customer Service CenterCall the DriveEzMD Call Center at 888-321-6824Follow the instructions for any citations or toll due notices received in the mail. I received the SMS, what should I do? Anyone who receives one of the text messages is advised to take the following actions. File a Cybercrime Complaint When filing a complaint, be sure to include the phone number the text message came from and the website listed in the text. Also, verify your account through the toll service’s website.Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number.Delete any smishing text messages you receive.What the text messages may look like:If you clicked on a link and/or provided your information, try You are committed to protecting your personal information and financial accounts. Deny any unknown allegations.