E-ZPass does not send unsolicited text messages about tolls or account activity

E-ZPass will not text you about tolls you've paid, low balances, or account status unless you specifically set up text notifications through your account portal. The system is designed to let you control what information reaches you and how. If you receive a text claiming to be from E-ZPass asking you to verify account details or click a link, it is almost certainly a scam.

The confusion often comes from the fact that E-ZPass does offer optional notifications — but you have to turn them on yourself. Many account holders never enable these features and never hear from E-ZPass by text at all. Understanding what E-ZPass can actually contact you about, and what you should ignore, protects you from fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass will not text you unless you have turned on notifications in your account settings on the E-ZPass website or mobile app.
  • Text messages claiming to be from E-ZPass that ask you to click links or verify personal information are scams, not legitimate account alerts.
  • Legitimate E-ZPass notifications come only from the official E-ZPass portal or the mobile app you downloaded directly from your phone's app store.
  • If you want low-balance alerts or trip confirmations by text, you can enable them yourself through your account dashboard.
  • E-ZPass customer service will never ask for your PIN, password, or credit card details by text or email.

How to turn on text notifications if you want them

If you have an E-ZPass account and want to receive text alerts, log into your account on the official E-ZPass website for your state or region. E-ZPass operates in multiple states and toll authorities, so the exact steps vary slightly depending on which E-ZPass program you use — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and others each run their own portals.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Notifications," "Alerts," or "Preferences." You will be asked to provide a mobile phone number and confirm which types of messages you want to receive. Common options include low-balance warnings, trip confirmations, or payment receipts. After you save your preferences, E-ZPass will send texts only to the number you entered, and only for the alerts you selected.

You can turn these notifications off at any time by returning to the same settings page and unchecking the boxes. If you never set up notifications, you will not receive any texts from E-ZPass, even if your balance is low or a toll was charged.

How to recognize E-ZPass scam text messages

Scammers send fake E-ZPass texts to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. These messages often claim your account is locked, your balance is critically low, or you need to verify your information when ready. The language is designed to create panic so you act without thinking.

A real E-ZPass text will never ask you to click a link, enter your password, provide your PIN, or confirm credit card details. E-ZPass will never ask for your Social Security number by text. If a message claims to be from E-ZPass and requests any of these things, delete it and do not click anything in it.

Legitimate E-ZPass messages are brief and factual — they might say "Your E-ZPass balance is $5.00" or "Trip charged: $4.75 on I-95." They do not create urgency, do not ask you to take action, and do not include links. If you are unsure whether a text is real, log into your E-ZPass account directly through the official website or app (do not use any link from the text) and check your account status yourself.

What E-ZPass will contact you about through other channels

E-ZPass may contact you by email or postal mail if there is a serious issue with your account — for example, if your payment method failed repeatedly or if there is a toll violation. These communications will come from the official E-ZPass authority for your state and will direct you to log into your account or call a phone number listed on the official E-ZPass website.

If you receive an email or letter claiming to be from E-ZPass, verify it by visiting the official E-ZPass website directly and looking for contact information there. Do not click links or call phone numbers provided in unsolicited messages. Scammers often send emails that look nearly identical to real ones, so going directly to the official website is the safest way to confirm whether a message is legitimate.

Why E-ZPass limits unsolicited contact

E-ZPass keeps unsolicited contact to a minimum because the system handles millions of transactions daily. Sending a text to every account holder every time a toll is charged would overwhelm phone networks and create noise that makes it harder for real alerts to stand out. Instead, E-ZPass lets you decide what information you want and how often you want to receive it.

This design also protects your privacy. The fewer messages E-ZPass sends, the fewer opportunities scammers have to impersonate the system. By making notifications opt-in rather than automatic, E-ZPass reduces the number of people who might fall for a fake message because they expect to receive real ones.

What to do if you receive a suspicious E-ZPass text

Do not reply to the message, do not click any links, and do not call any phone number in the text. Instead, take a screenshot of the message and report it to your state's E-ZPass authority. Most E-ZPass programs have a fraud or customer service email address listed on their official website where you can forward suspicious messages.

You can also report the scam text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks these scams and uses the reports to warn the public and pursue the people behind them. If you accidentally clicked a link or entered information, change your E-ZPass password when ready and monitor your account for unauthorized charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get E-ZPass alerts on my phone without turning on notifications?

No. E-ZPass only sends text messages to phone numbers you have registered in your account settings. If you have never logged in and set up notifications, you will not receive any texts, even if your balance drops to zero or a toll is charged.

Is it safe to click a link in an E-ZPass text?

Not unless you initiated contact with E-ZPass first. Legitimate E-ZPass messages do not include links. If a text claims to be from E-ZPass and contains a link, it is a scam. Delete it and do not click anything in it.

What should I do if my E-ZPass balance is low and I did not get a text?

Log into your account on the official E-ZPass website or mobile app to check your balance. If you want to receive low-balance alerts in the future, enable them in your notification settings. You can also set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when it drops below a certain amount.

Can I report a fake E-ZPass text to E-ZPass directly?

Yes. Most E-ZPass programs have a customer service email or phone number on their official website. You can forward the message or describe it to them. You should also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov so the scam can be tracked and investigated.

Will E-ZPass ever ask for my password by text?

No. E-ZPass will never ask for your password, PIN, or credit card details by text, email, or phone call. If anyone claiming to be from E-ZPass asks for this information, it is a scam.