What the EZDriveMA alert scam is and how it works

The EZDriveMA alert scam is a text message or email fraud that impersonates the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's EZPass system. Scammers send messages claiming your account has a problem — usually an unpaid toll, a suspended account, or a security issue — and direct you to click a link or call a phone number to "resolve" it. The link leads to a fake website designed to look like the real EZPass portal, where you enter your login credentials, credit card information, or both.

Once scammers have your information, they can drain your EZPass account, open new accounts in your name, or sell your data to other criminals. The real EZPass system (operated by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation) does send account alerts, but it does not ask you to verify information through unsolicited links or phone numbers.

This scam works because EZPass is widely used in Massachusetts and neighboring states, so many drivers have active accounts. The sense of urgency — "your account will be suspended" or "you have unpaid tolls" — pushes people to act without thinking.

Key Takeaways

  • EZPass never sends unsolicited text messages or emails asking you to click a link or call a number to verify your account.
  • If you receive an alert claiming to be from EZPass, do not click any link or call any number in the message — go directly to the official website or call the number on your EZPass bill instead.
  • Real EZPass alerts appear in your account dashboard when you log in directly, not in unexpected texts or emails.
  • Scammers use urgency and fear of account suspension to pressure you into acting quickly without checking the sender.
  • If you have already clicked a link or entered information, contact your bank and the Massachusetts Attorney General's office when ready.

How to tell a scam message from a real EZPass alert

Real EZPass alerts come through your account dashboard when you log in directly to your account on the official website. You can also set up email notifications in your account settings, but the Massachusetts Department of Transportation does not send unsolicited text messages asking you to take action.

Scam messages typically have these red flags: they ask you to click a link to "verify" or "confirm" your account, they claim your account is suspended or locked, they say you have unpaid tolls that must be paid when ready, or they ask you to call a phone number to speak with a representative. The sender's phone number or email address may look similar to an official one but with slight misspellings — for example, "ezpassma-alerts.com" instead of the real domain.

Check the sender's address carefully. The real EZPass system uses official Massachusetts government email addresses and phone numbers. If you are unsure whether a message is real, do not click anything — instead, log into your EZPass account directly through your browser or call the number on your EZPass bill or statement.

What to do if you receive a suspicious EZPass message

Do not click any links in the message. Do not call any phone number provided in the text or email. Instead, delete the message or mark it as spam.

If you want to check whether there is a real issue with your account, log into EZPass directly by typing the official website address into your browser (not by clicking a link from the message). Your account dashboard will show any unpaid tolls, account status, or other issues. You can also call the EZPass customer service number on your bill or statement.

Report the scam message to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office through their consumer complaint form on their website. You can also forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at reportphishing@apwg.org. These reports help authorities track scam patterns and warn other drivers.

If you already clicked the link or entered your information

Act quickly. Call your bank or credit card company when ready and tell them you may have been compromised. Ask them to monitor your account for unauthorized charges and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report.

Change your EZPass password right away by logging into your account directly (not through any link from the scam message). If you used the same password for other accounts, change those too.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. This creates an official record and may help you if fraudulent charges appear later. You can also file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office. Keep copies of all messages, screenshots, and records of any charges or account changes.

How the real EZPass system contacts you

The Massachusetts EZPass system contacts account holders in these ways: through your account dashboard when you log in directly, through email notifications you set up yourself in your account settings, and through postal mail for official notices. EZPass does not send unsolicited text messages asking you to take action.

If you have questions about your account, you can call EZPass customer service using the number on your bill, your statement, or the official EZPass website. You can also log into your account and use the contact form there. Any legitimate communication will come through these official channels, not through random text messages or emails with links.

Protecting yourself from similar scams

Be skeptical of any unsolicited message that creates urgency or asks you to verify information. Scammers use phrases like "your account will be suspended," "when ready action required," or "confirm your information now" to pressure you into acting without thinking. Legitimate companies rarely ask you to verify sensitive information through links in messages.

If you use any toll system, subscription service, or online account, remember this rule: never click a link in an unsolicited message to log in or enter information. Always go directly to the official website or call the official number instead. This straightforward habit stops most phishing scams before they start.

Keep your EZPass password strong and unique — do not use the same password for your toll account as you do for email or banking. If you set up email notifications for your account, check them regularly so you know what real alerts look like. That way, if you receive a message that does not match the format or tone of your usual alerts, you will recognize it as suspicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can EZPass suspend my account by text message?

No. EZPass does not suspend accounts through text messages. If your account has a serious issue, you will see it in your account dashboard when you log in, and you may receive official notice by mail. Any text message claiming your account is suspended is a scam.

What is the real EZPass customer service number?

The official number is on your EZPass bill, statement, or the official EZPass website. Do not use a number from a text message or email. If you are not sure, hang up and call the number on your bill or look it up yourself on the official website.

If I clicked the link but did not enter any information, am I safe?

Clicking the link alone is usually safer than entering information, but it is still risky. Your device may have been exposed to malware. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity, and consider running a security scan on your device. If you are concerned, contact your bank.

How do I set up real EZPass email alerts?

Log into your EZPass account directly through the official website, go to your account settings or preferences, and look for notification options. You can choose to receive alerts about low balances, account changes, or other issues. These are the only emails you should expect from EZPass.

Should I report this scam to the police?

You can file a report with local police, but the Federal Trade Commission and Massachusetts Attorney General are better equipped to investigate. File with them first — they track scam patterns and coordinate with law enforcement. Keep your report numbers for your records.