E-ZPass does not send unsolicited text messages about tolls or account activity
E-ZPass is a toll collection system run by individual states and regional authorities. The system itself does not initiate text messages to notify you about tolls charged, balance changes, or account status. If you receive a text claiming to be from E-ZPass about your account, it is not from the official system — it is a scam.
What E-ZPass does offer is an optional notification service through your account portal or email. You can choose to receive email alerts when your balance drops below a certain amount, but this is something you must set up yourself in your account settings. Text message notifications are not part of the standard E-ZPass service in any state.
The reason scammers target E-ZPass users is straightforward: toll users are known to have valid payment methods on file, and the system is familiar enough that a fake message seems plausible. A text that says "Your E-ZPass balance is low — click here to update" looks official but is designed to steal your login credentials or payment information.
Key Takeaways
- E-ZPass will never text you about tolls, balance warnings, or account issues — any text claiming to be from E-ZPass is a scam.
- You can set up email alerts through your E-ZPass account portal if you want to be notified when your balance is low, but you must do this yourself.
- Scammers use E-ZPass text messages to trick you into clicking a link or entering your account details on a fake website.
- If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links — instead, log into your real E-ZPass account directly through your state's official website to check your balance.
How E-ZPass notifications actually work
Each state's E-ZPass authority runs its own account system. You log into your account through your state's official E-ZPass website — for example, nj.ezpass.com for New Jersey or ezpass.ny.gov for New York. Once logged in, you can set preferences for how you want to be notified about your account.
The notification options vary slightly by state, but most offer email alerts. You can typically choose to receive an email when your balance drops below a threshold you set, or when a transponder is about to expire. Some states also send email confirmations of toll transactions if you request them. Text message notifications are not offered by any E-ZPass authority.
If you have set up email alerts and you receive one, it will come from your state's E-ZPass domain — for example, from an address ending in @nj.ezpass.com or @ezpass.ny.gov. The email will contain a link to your account portal, not to a third-party website. If an email alert asks you to click a link and enter your password on an unfamiliar website, it is a phishing attempt.
How to spot a fake E-ZPass text message
Scam texts claiming to be from E-ZPass follow a predictable pattern. They usually say something like "Your E-ZPass balance is low," "Update your payment method," or "Confirm your account information." They include a link and create a sense of urgency by suggesting your account will be suspended or your transponder will stop working.
The red flags are straightforward. First, E-ZPass does not text. Second, legitimate E-ZPass messages will never ask you to click a link and enter your password or payment details. Third, the sender's phone number will not match your state's E-ZPass authority — it will be a random number or a short code that has nothing to do with tolls.
If you click the link in a scam text, you will land on a website that looks like your E-ZPass account portal but is actually controlled by the scammer. Entering your username and password there gives the scammer access to your real account. Entering credit card or bank details gives them your payment information directly.
What to do if you receive a suspicious E-ZPass text
Do not click any link in the text message. Do not reply to it. The safest action is to delete it when ready.
If you are concerned about your account balance or status, log into your E-ZPass account directly. Open your web browser and go to your state's official E-ZPass website — search for "[your state] E-ZPass" if you are not sure of the URL. Log in with your username and password. Check your balance and transaction history there. This is the only way to know your real account status.
If you did click a link in a suspicious text and entered your E-ZPass login credentials, change your password when ready through the official E-ZPass website. If you entered credit card or bank details, contact your bank or card issuer right away and report the fraud. Your bank can monitor for unauthorized charges and issue you a new card if needed.
Reporting scam texts to authorities
You can report a scam text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks these reports and uses them to identify patterns and shut down scam operations. You can also forward the text to your state's E-ZPass authority — most have a fraud or customer service email address on their website.
Your mobile carrier may also have a way to report spam texts. Most carriers allow you to forward suspicious texts to a short code like 7726 (which spells SPAM). This helps the carrier identify and block similar messages for other customers.
Reporting is not required to protect yourself, but it does help authorities track and stop the scammers. Even if nothing comes of your individual report, the aggregate data helps law enforcement understand where the fraud is coming from.
Setting up legitimate E-ZPass alerts
If you want to receive notifications about your E-ZPass account, you need to set them up yourself through your account portal. Log into your state's E-ZPass website and look for a section called "Account Settings," "Preferences," "Notifications," or "Alerts." The exact name varies by state.
In that section, you will typically find options to receive email notifications when your balance is low, when a transponder is expiring, or when a toll transaction occurs. You choose the email address where you want to receive these messages and the threshold that triggers the alert — for example, "notify me when my balance drops below $10."
Once you have set this up, you will receive emails from your state's official E-ZPass domain. These emails will be legitimate and safe to interact with. You can click links in them to go to your account portal, and you can trust that any request for information is genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can E-ZPass contact me by phone or text if there is a problem with my account?
No. E-ZPass does not initiate phone calls or text messages. If you need to contact E-ZPass about an issue, you must reach out to them — they will not reach out to you by text or phone. Any text claiming to be from E-ZPass is a scam.
What if the text message came from a number that looks official?
Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make them look like they come from legitimate sources. A number that looks official is not proof that the message is real. The only way to verify your account status is to log into your E-ZPass account directly through your state's official website.
Is it safe to click the link if the text message looks exactly like a real E-ZPass message?
No. Scammers design fake messages to look as real as possible. The safest rule is: E-ZPass does not text, so any text claiming to be from E-ZPass is not real. Do not click the link. Instead, log into your account directly through your state's official website.
What happens if I already entered my E-ZPass password on a fake website?
Change your password when ready by logging into your real E-ZPass account through your state's official website. Then monitor your account for unauthorized toll charges or changes to your payment method. If you see anything suspicious, contact your state's E-ZPass customer service right away.
Can I report the scam text to E-ZPass directly?
Yes. Most state E-ZPass authorities have a customer service email or phone number on their website. You can contact them and report the scam text. They may ask you to forward the message so they can track the fraud. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.